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From Red Scare-inspired alien invasion movies of the 1950s to more friendly and sophisticated encounters in later years, this course will explore meditations on science and technology, religion and faith, alien and artificial intelligence, and more. Led by Butch Epps, film studies instructor with an MFA from UCLA's School of Film and Television, we navigate this subject at warp speed with the aid of pre-class film viewing, in-class PowerPoint analysis, lectures, and discussions of the following case studies. On week one, we will cover "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (the 1951 version) and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"; week two covers "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Contact." Rental streaming sources for the above pre-class viewing will be provided one week before the first class.

Alfred Hitchcock was always fascinated by voyeurism and the interplay between voyeurism and film watching. In this two-week online course—a follow-up to last spring's “Best of Hitchcock” course—we’ll consider four of Hitchcock’s best films and explore his obsession with people watching other people. Students should watch the films on their own; in class, we’ll view brief film clips and discuss key themes. Expect another lively trip into the mind of a brilliant, complicated man and the strange, disturbing world he created on film. (If you didn’t attend Part One, no worries—it’s not required for this course!)

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.

Did you know that some insects can survive temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, with little or no water? Welcome to the often-overlooked world of insects and other arthropods. Kurt Leuschner, Professor of Entomology at College of the Desert, will highlight remarkable desert species such as the yucca moth, antlion, and tarantula hawk wasp, emphasizing their ecological roles and survival strategies. This presentation will examine the adaptations, behaviors, habitats, and life histories of these and other arthropods—the most diverse group of animals on Earth. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the small but vital organisms that shape ecosystems, many of which thrive right here in the Sonoran Desert.

Grocery shopping can be overwhelming—with countless products, confusing labels, and endless marketing claims competing for your attention. Making smart choices at the store is the first step toward better nutrition and overall health for you and your family. In this engaging presentation, Tina Shepard, a Clinical Nutrition Professor at Arizona State University and a Registered Dietitian, will guide you through the essentials of smart grocery shopping. You’ll learn how to: read and understand nutrition labels with confidence; identify nutrient-dense foods and avoid misleading packaging; make budget-friendly, healthy choices in every aisle; compare products to find the best options for your family's needs. Join us and gain the tools to shop smarter, eat better, and feel more in control of your health every time you step into the grocery store.

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).

Now entering their mid-twenties, many talented Gen Z authors are lifting their voices and carving out strong stances regarding their novel experiences and perspectives. As digital natives, they are acutely aware of how identity is negotiated between real circumstances and incomplete virtual performances. Gen Z authors often speak passionately about 21st-century crises, bringing their verve to issues like climate volatility and untenable social and economic systems. They have impressed audiences not only with what they say but also with how they say it: with clarity, conviction, freshness, and hypnotic beauty. In this two-week seminar, we will explore works by notable Gen Z authors—Amanda Gorman, Chloe Gong, Fatimah Asghar, among others—to examine the cultural provenance of this newest literary generation.

Russia shocked the world when Putin invaded Ukraine on Thursday, February 24, 2022. Few believed that Ukraine’s military would last a week. Backed by President Joe Biden’s strong alliance of the U.S. and Europe, the Ukrainian military has fought the Russian military to a virtual standstill. Since Donald Trump has assumed office in January 2025, he has jettisoned the U.S. alliances with NATO, Europe, and Ukraine. Europe is undergoing its most profound transformation since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. The NATO military alliance was strengthened when Sweden and Finland joined, but since U.S. withdrawal, Germany is rearming, and Europe now seeks a nuclear umbrella with France and the U.K. Europe is ending 50 years of cheap oil, gas, and coal imports from Russia. Six million Ukrainians have been welcomed by Europe in its worst refugee crisis. These two talks are a briefing on the history of Ukraine and Russia’s relations, the war and sanctions thus far, peace talks and possible outcomes.

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.

You’ve probably heard of ChatGPT or spoken to a voice assistant like Alexa or Siri — but what’s really going on behind the scenes? In this class, we’ll explore how today’s artificial intelligence can carry on conversations, help you write emails, answer questions, and even make decisions. We’ll look at how these “AI assistants” work in simple, everyday terms—and what they might mean for the future of work, learning, and daily life.

African Americans have served in every US military conflict, fighting for both their country and their own rights. From Black patriots in the Revolutionary War to the 180,000 African Americans who fought for the Union in the Civil War, their contributions have shaped American history. After the war, Black soldiers gained congressional approval to enlist in the peacetime Army, leading to the formation of the “Buffalo Soldiers.” This course traces their service from the War of 1812 to World War II, highlighting their valor in conflicts abroad and their struggle against segregation and discrimination at home. It is the story of their resilience, sacrifice, and fight for equality in a nation that often failed to recognize their service. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

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.

Join Jim Jindrick, a resident of Southern Arizona for over 40 years, for an engaging class presented by WhereAZ. Tucson and the broader Southern Arizona region offer a wealth of unique experiences to see, do, hear, touch, taste, and absorb—making it a truly special place in the world. This class provides a comprehensive pictorial overview that highlights the diverse cultural, natural, and historical attractions of the area. Participants will gain valuable insights into the region’s distinctive qualities and will be equipped with practical tools to explore it further.

In this course, participants will explore the social determinants of health, the physiological mechanisms of stress, and the effects of stress on health and well-being. They will also examine stress- and health-related theoretical frameworks. Through this course, participants will gain an understanding of the factors that influence health and engage in discussions on the importance of equitably promoting health and well-being across populations. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

From 1831-1836, Charles Darwin circumnavigated the globe aboard the HMS Beagle. In the Galapagos Islands and elsewhere, Darwin collected data that, after decades of study and reflection, formed part of the basis for his publication On the Origin of Species. The ideas presented in that volume remain the foundation of all modern biological thought. Drawing upon original source materials and the instructor’s photos, this course will present the historical and cultural context of Darwin’s era, follow the five-year journey, discuss how Darwin came to his ideas, and explain his theories in detail. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

What role does politics play in choosing a romantic partner—especially for older adults? How much does politics really come up on dates, anyway? In this session, led by Dr. Cassandra Cotton, Assistant Professor of Sociology in ASU's School of Social and Family Dynamics, we'll explore how older adult daters consider potential partners’ political views—and whether perceptions of rising political polarization, especially here in Arizona, shape the preferences older adults have for new romantic relationships. Drawing on social science research conducted by Dr. Cotton in Arizona with adults aged 55 and older, we’ll delve into whether political differences might be a dealbreaker for older daters and discuss your questions on research with and about older adults.

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.

Explore Motown’s golden era from the late 1950s to the 1970s, a period marked by groundbreaking songwriting, iconic artists, and profound social influence. Discover how Motown’s innovative production methods shaped its timeless sound, broke racial barriers, and adapted to shifting cultural landscapes to achieve worldwide acclaim. Featuring legendary artists and curated tracks and videos, this course concludes with a celebration of Motown’s transformative first 25 years. Join us to experience the enduring magic of Motown and its lasting impact on music and culture. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

When photography arrived in the 1800s, artists faced a challenge: cameras could capture realistic images faster than paint. This technological revolution freed artists to pursue questions beyond mere representation, ultimately challenging the very idea of “What is art?” We will examine how both visual artists and musicians throughout the 20th century responded by creating revolutionary works in which ideas became more important than traditional techniques or finished products. From Duchamp’s ready-mades to John Cage’s experimental compositions, these conceptual works once puzzled audiences but now fill our most prestigious museums and concert halls. Join us to discover these fascinating ideas that have transformed modern art and music.

Music has always been a source of controversy and scandal. In the search for originality, some artists push the envelope too far—sometimes paying the price, other times using the backlash for self-promotion. There have been fascinating episodes of plagiarism, cultural appropriation, and clashes involving race and sexuality. New technologies are increasingly isolating listeners from the world around them, and artificial intelligence is arriving with a host of tough challenges. This class is full of stories and anecdotes involving The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Peter Frampton, The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, and more!

Imprisoned Minds tells the stories of men in prison—stories few people ever hear. Authors Erik Maloney and Kevin Wright, through personal narratives and expert analysis, reveal how unimaginable childhood trauma and neglect can set young men on a path toward prison or even death. Erik is currently incarcerated, serving a life sentence, and Kevin is a criminologist at Arizona State University. Together, their goal in writing this book is to humanize people behind bars, offer practical solutions, and show that a more effective approach to criminal justice is possible. Join them as they lead this class virtually—from prison—and explore the thought-provoking question: might there be an imprisoned mind in all of us?

This class offers an engaging introduction to Italy’s fascinating history, culture, art, and food. Led by Jennifer Adams, Ph.D., Instructor of Italian in ASU’s School of International Letters and Cultures, we will tour the country’s regions and highlight their exceptional culinary traditions, explore the basics of Italian art and architecture, and discover how to live the dolce vita like a true Italian. The course also includes short, practical lessons in basic Italian words and phrases useful for travel, dining, and cultural interaction.

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!

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.

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.

Through lectures, videos, and discussions, we will focus on four women artists who challenged expectations of their time about their behavior and approach to subjects: Artemisia Gentileschi, Rosa Bonheur, Kathe Kollwitz, and Frida Kahlo. Additional artists will be included. Participants will receive emails with something to read, something to watch, and something to do in advance of each class meeting.

This class examines the precepts of Buddhism in general and of the Chan/Zen branch of Buddhism specifically. We will explore major examples of art and architecture related to Zen. A primary goal of the class is to examine the historical context for the development of the Zen arts; therefore, an examination of the social, religious, political, and cultural influences on the production of art and architecture will be important. In addition, we will consider the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and meditation as a means for developing thoughtful and humane interactions in contemporary life. 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 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in PST.

This class will provide basic skills for drawing and painting on the iPad. We will navigate three digital art apps, explore techniques for creating digital drawings and paintings, practice using layers, and experience how to export completed digital images for printing. The apps featured in this class are Freeform, Sketchbook, and ArtRage Vitae Mobile Painting.

Chico State's tradition of academic excellence goes back more than 130 years. With over 850 faculty members and 13,000 students, the University's teaching and learning community is thriving. Discover the imagination, cutting-edge research, and expertise that flourishes in our own backyard! 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 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in PST.

This class offers a hands-on introduction to one-point and two-point perspective drawing, techniques that create the illusion of depth on a flat surface by using converging lines. The first session focuses on one-point perspective, while the second session covers two-point perspective. 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 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in PST.

This is the fourth in a series of courses on the music of J.S. Bach, this time focusing on the Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248, which is made up of six cantatas originally meant to be performed on six feast days in the Christmas season. The class will examine Bach’s church music and the cantata form as well as general characteristics of the Baroque period. We’ll watch a recording of each cantata. No previous musical experience is necessary. PowerPoint with YouTube examples will be used.

This course is an introduction to qigong and simple stretching patterns. Movements will be taught as physical and energetic exercises and as methods for improving present-moment awareness and mindfulness of subtle perceptions. Although qigong can be studied for a lifetime, this series will give you a taste of the practices. Students will learn a set of simple movements that can be integrated into a daily routine. The exercises will challenge and enhance flexibility, balance and coordination. Students will have access to videos on the instructor’s YouTube channel, and an optional DVD is available for purchase. This online course will include social time with other students using breakout rooms. No special clothing or experience is required. Come as you are, ready to have fun with others! Please take care of DST changes for the last session of class.

For Locke, competitive economic acquisitiveness is the core of justice and civic morality. For Marx, the moral society is "an association, in which the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all." We will address these, and more, questions: Are all human beings naturally equal? Can liberal government combine individual freedom and political authority? By what right does the majority govern? Can the rule of law and separation of powers secure individual rights? Can socialism be democratic? Required Text: Second Treatise of Government by John Locke, Ed. C.B. Macpherson, ISBN 091514493X and The Marx-Engels Reader, Second Edition, Ed. Robert C. Tucker, ISBN 039309040X. Please take care of time zone changes due to Daylight Saving.

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 Colorado River is neither the longest nor the largest of our rivers, but it flows through the most dramatic scenery in the USA. It is the very lifeblood of over 40 million people. A significant fraction of our country’s produce and animal products is grown with its waters and the power produced by its system of massive hydroelectric generators lights up the entire Southwest. Unfortunately, the waters of the Colorado are over-allocated. Now, after 25 years of serious drought with no end in sight, the River’s very well-being is in serious jeopardy. In this course, we will describe the River’s astonishing geology and geography, some early and modern history, its politics, and its very uncertain future. Please take care of time zone changes due to Daylight Saving.

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.

The Great Financial Crisis of 2008 revealed significant problems with the orthodox economic theory (neo-liberalism). This course will examine the economic history leading up to the crisis, the causes and effects of the crisis and the after effects of the crisis on economic, social and political discourse. Short readings will be provided. Please take care of time zone changes due to Daylight Saving.

In this course we will look at what research in neuroscience is teaching us about how the brain and mind work. We will also learn about using that knowledge to provide better care for patients. The role of AI, brain imaging, immunology, and genetics will be included. Please take care of time zone changes due to Daylight Saving.

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.”

Tchaikovsky is one of the best-known classical music composers in the world. In western cultures, his name is known not only by classical music aficionados, but also by people who are not as familiar with the genre. He excelled in the business of entertaining people. Even he was tickled with his own catalog of work. While Tchaikovsky was admittedly a psychologically troubled individual, he did not let it get in the way of his amazing output. His music was genuine and unique. There is much to be learned about him, not to mention the wide scope of his music.

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.

This class will build on my popular American Education class that was offered in the spring semester. We will tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our education system. The class will also include a field trip to PIMA JTED’s spectacular new health care campus in Tucson. The field trip will only be open to students enrolled in this class. The class will begin with an overview of the current state of American Education, including how we lost our world leadership. We will then examine ideas for improving K-12 education; take a careful look at the unprecedented challenges facing higher education, from Harvard to the University of Arizona; and invite outside leaders to offer their perspective. This will be a 5-session course, with one session devoted to the field trip.

If you’re passionate about creating fiction, memoirs, journalism, travel writing, poetry, or nonfiction, this is the group for you! Open to all writers from beginner to experienced, we’ll offer a platform for growth, discussion, collaboration, and connection with other OLLI students. The group will meet via Zoom, once a month through the end of the semester. Additional information about our first meeting will be sent to registered members. Subsequent meeting dates/times/places to be discussed at first meeting.

There is no fee for this SIG