Tuesday   

Could you guess how many piano tuners work in Phoenix? How much a swimming pool full of jellybeans weighs? Or whether that startling statistic you just heard on the news makes any sense? This two-session class introduces you to Fermi estimation – a playful, practical way to answer big questions using rough math, common sense, and clever shortcuts. Along the way, we’ll also brush up – gently! – on a few essential math skills, such as scientific notation and volume estimation. No calculators, no panic – just engaging problems, good laughs, and surprising insights into how the world really works.

Tea holds a special place in Japanese culture, with centuries-old traditions shaping its cultivation, preparation, and enjoyment. While modern practices have evolved to include various schools of tea, contemporary cafés, and casual tea experiences, the cultural significance of tea remains deeply rooted in daily life. In Japan, sharing tea is more than just drinking a beverage – it is a way to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. It offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of everyday life, inviting both host and guest to connect through simplicity and mindfulness. We invite you to experience this timeless tradition at the Japanese Friendship Garden through our program: Tea Tasting. Join us in embracing the tranquility and cultural richness of Japanese tea.

This course will explore the diverse styles of jazz, addressing the complexities that often arise for new listeners in distinguishing what constitutes jazz and what does not. We will trace the historical development of this American art form, highlighting pivotal moments and key figures within each style. Along the way, we will study notable recordings and the contributions of influential innovators who shaped the evolution of jazz.

FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY TO REGISTER. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER IN OLLI SYSTEM.

Do Phoenix and the rest of Arizona have enough water to meet future demand? How will the state’s agriculture, industry and growth be impacted by declines in Colorado River supplies? Are Arizona communities doing enough to ensure water supplies for the future? Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy, will provide an overview of Arizona water policy and the state’s future outlook for water sustainability in Phoenix and beyond. If you missed this class last fall, here is your chance to get in on great, first-hand information.

In October 2026, OLLI travels to Central Europe in the footsteps of Mozart. In preparation, this class explores Mozart’s music through the lens of locations significant to his career: Munich (where his opera Idomeneo premiered), Salzburg (his birthplace), Vienna (where he spent his final decade), and Prague (where he enjoyed extraordinary popularity). Open to both travelers and non-travelers alike, the class offers unique insight into the composer’s music and the four cities that inspired and sustained him.

For more than a century between 1775 and 1880, America was a nation on the move. It was one of the greatest mass migrations in human history, as hundreds of thousands left their homes in the East to forge new futures in the West. This presentation explores the complex network of routes that shaped the nation’s identity. We will follow Daniel Boone’s footsteps through the Cumberland Gap – blazing the Wilderness Road – travel the Oregon Trail’s vast, dusty prairies that led farm families to the fertile Willamette Valley; the California Trail, which drew hundreds of thousands of gold seekers; and the Santa Fe Trail, a commercial highway that linked the US and Mexico through profitable trade. The journey was fraught with danger, demanding resilience and claiming many lives to disease, starvation, and unforgiving terrain. This presentation also acknowledges the profound, and often tragic, impact that westward expansion had on the Native American tribes who had long inhabited these lands.

From conflict in Europe, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa to a global economy under strain and rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, today’s world can feel increasingly unsettled. Add to that a divided America and a rapidly shifting international order, and it is easy to feel both confused and concerned. But is this moment in history truly unique – or are we simply living through another turbulent chapter, much like those that have come before? This course will explore whether the challenges we face today signal a deeper, more fundamental transformation in the global order. Join us as we examine the roots of today’s crises, assess whether we are approaching a historic tipping point, and consider what this might mean for the future, both in terms of risks and opportunities.

This class is being offered twice, one in the morning (Class 043) and one in the afternoon (Class 046).

Join us at Cosanti in Paradise Valley for a unique chance to participate in our long tradition of ceramic artisan crafts. Begin with a tour of our active workshop, an experiment in desert materials and community organization, now an Arizona Historic Site. After the tour, students will learn techniques for forming and glazing decorative ceramic tiles, choosing two pre-formed tiles to paint with vibrant liquid glazes. Each tile will be a one-of-a-kind work of art, fired, packaged, and returned within two weeks. Waterproof and durable, the tiles are perfect for display, practical use, or as a unique keepsake or gift.
 

Step onto the home turf of the Arizona Diamondbacks and experience Chase Field like never before! This exclusive guided tour for OLLI members offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Major League Baseball’s most unique ballparks – complete with a retractable roof, poolside areas, and air-conditioned comfort in the heart of downtown Phoenix. During this 90-minute experience, participants will walk through the main concourse, dugout, and suite level, visit the luxury suites and Diamondbacks Hall of Fame exhibits, and tour the premium season ticket locations where Advantage Members sit. The experience also includes a Q&A session with members of the Diamondbacks ticket sales staff (TBD). Bring your curiosity, comfortable walking shoes, and your love of baseball – or simply a love of seeing how things work behind the scenes! Parking will be free at the Chase Field Parking Garage.

The Wyeths are a remarkable family. N.C. Wyeth, though not born into an artistic family, became a nationally known illustrator whose work transcended mere illustration to become fine art. His son, Andrew, and grandson, Jamie, are the most well-known, both achieving immediate success in New York. This class will explore the lives and art of these three men and, time permitting, will also highlight other talented members of the Wyeth family.

This class is being offered twice, one in the morning (Class 043) and one in the afternoon (Class 046).

Join us at Cosanti in Paradise Valley for a unique chance to participate in our long tradition of ceramic artisan crafts. Begin with a tour of our active workshop, an experiment in desert materials and community organization, now an Arizona Historic Site. After the tour, students will learn techniques for forming and glazing decorative ceramic tiles, choosing two pre-formed tiles to paint with vibrant liquid glazes. Each tile will be a one-of-a-kind work of art, fired, packaged, and returned within two weeks. Waterproof and durable, the tiles are perfect for display, practical use, or as a unique keepsake or gift.
 

Analytics isn’t just for data scientists – it’s all around us, and Excel puts some of the most powerful tools right at your fingertips. In this course, Dr. Danny introduces participants to regression analysis, often called the “Holy Grail” of analytics, and shows how to apply it practically to a wide variety of situations. You’ll learn how to run regression models and interpret the results to make smarter financial, business, and personal decisions – from detecting fraud and reducing waste, to budgeting, buying a home, and lowering insurance premiums. This is real-world math after college – “After-Math” – made accessible and actionable. We will be using Excel, so come with some familiarity with how it works. Computers will be provided for you. Cases will be pre-uploaded or accessible via on-site flashdrive.

FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY TO REGISTER. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER IN OLLI SYSTEM.

Women of the ancient world were not just “goddesses, whores, wives, and slaves” – they were often powerful political, cultural, and economic influences, essential to the functioning of the societies of Greece and Rome. How much power did women have? The answer might surprise you!

Join us at Harkins Shea 14 for a screening of the new documentary Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause. Beloved actor, comedian, and talk show host Charles Grodin charmed audiences with his signature dry wit and deadpan delivery in classics such as The Heartbreak Kid, Catch-22, and Midnight Run. Yet beyond his comedic talents, Grodin was a passionate advocate for social justice, dedicating much of his life to freeing wrongly convicted prisoners. This compelling documentary celebrates his remarkable life and career through rare archival footage and interviews with stars including Adam Arkin, Carol Burnett, Robert De Niro, and Martin Short. ASU Film and Media Studies professor Dr. Kevin Sandler will introduce the film and lead a 30-minute post-screening discussion. The class fee includes a specially discounted ticket.

The First Amendment’s speech and press freedoms are cornerstones of American democracy. Their presence – or absence – affects who we are as individuals, as a nation, as a culture, and as a species. A common question arises: Do we stand for principles that encourage or limit these freedoms? Just as journalists ask “Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?” to evaluate a story, we’ll do the same with this topic. Finding answers will take us into the realms of law, history, philosophy, journalism, and politics. As the title suggests, this two-session course will examine the origins of free expression as a value – how it developed in the United States – and the current realities of speech and press freedom in contemporary America.

You don’t need to be Betty Crocker or a professional pastry chef to whip up desserts that look and taste amazing. Impressive sweets aren’t reserved for TV kitchens or high-end bakeries. With just a few simple techniques, a dash of creativity, and some basic ingredients, anyone can create stunning treats right at home. A swirl of whipped cream, a scattering of fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate can completely transform a simple dessert into something eye-catching and elegant. All it takes is a willingness to try, a sense of fun, and maybe a sweet tooth or two to share. So, roll up your sleeves, open your pantry, and remember – the best desserts come from the heart, not a textbook.

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

In 1888, Bertha Benz made history as the first person to undertake a long-distance journey by automobile, showcasing the potential of her husband Carl Benz’s groundbreaking invention. Her daring 65-mile trip not only proved the practicality of the automobile but also ignited a global transformation in transportation. Join German historian Anette Isaacs as she brings to life the remarkable story of Bertha Benz – a courageous and visionary woman who helped drive the world into the modern age.

For many of us, one of the first things we do in the morning is drink a cup of coffee or tea. This class encourages us to think more deeply about these caffeinated beverages and their significance. We will discuss what led to their globalization in the early modern era, the first, second, and third waves of coffee, and efforts to promote fair trade coffee, drawing on a Global Intensive Experience in Guatemala led by Dr. Sarreal at ASU. We will also explore the third most popular caffeinated beverage – yerba mate – widely consumed in southern South America and the subject of Dr. Sarreal’s book Yerba Mate: The Drink that Shaped a Nation. Why did coffee, tea, and chocolate globalize in the early modern era while yerba mate did not? Join us as we uncover the hidden histories behind your morning cup and sample some yerba mate.

In 1993, a mysterious and deadly disease outbreak struck the Four Corners area, killing young Navajos. What came to be understood as a novel hantavirus represented a wave of newly emerging infectious diseases around the world. We will get an inside look into the life of an epidemiologist investigating notorious disease outbreaks – from hantavirus to West Nile, from Valley fever to plague, and from COVID to bird flu. We will go into the deep past to understand how pathogens have moved around the world, explore the threat of bioterrorism and man-made disease outbreaks, and learn what it might all mean for responding to future pandemics.

Some 27 million visitors prepared for the twentieth century by attending the World’s Columbian Exposition, which once occupied nearly 700 acres on Chicago’s South Side. Most had never even seen a light bulb, yet they were suddenly greeted with more electric lights than were then in use in the entire city of Chicago. The Fair was a striking blend of the palatial and the modern: its Greco-Roman buildings evoked Renaissance grandeur, while the visionary architecture of Louis Sullivan hinted at the future. Elegant concert halls—where thousands heard Handel’s Messiah—were complemented by the music of John Philip Sousa and Scott Joplin. This course will revisit the architecture, art, and music of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Previous technology systems, such as the railroad and electrification, dramatically changed human, natural, and built systems at regional and global scales – but that’s nothing compared to what today’s rapid – and accelerating – evolution across the entire frontier of technology might do. Even today, AI writes music, novels, and Ph.D. dissertations, and creates fascinating paintings and videos from simple verbal commands. It is becoming impossible to know whether a picture, video, or voice is real or fake. That call from your mother might actually be from an AI, which could then use your voice to scam money from your friends and bank accounts. Meanwhile, many start-up companies are developing “brain chips” that could enable telepathy between humans, as well as metacognitive mixtures of AI and human cognition that may surpass the most gifted humans. Scientists are increasingly treating the human aging process as a curable disease, believing that our children may live healthy lives of 150 to 200 years – perhaps much longer. These are only a few examples in a future where our planet, and humans themselves, become design spaces subject to deliberate change in ways never before possible. The psychological, political, economic, and social implications are vast, but we are not helpless: there are ways to think about and prepare for this turbulent period of change.

As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems advance, many futurist technophiles predict a world where machines will fight wars for us, thereby reducing human suffering and political risk. Yet history and strategy suggest otherwise. Dr. Amos C. Fox argues that the increasing reliance on unmanned and autonomous systems may actually make future wars longer, more destructive, and less decisive. Drawing on his recent research on attrition and decision-making in war, Dr. Fox explains that when policymakers no longer bear the full political cost of losing soldiers, they may be less inclined to end conflicts quickly. Destroying a fleet of drones does not carry the same emotional or political weight as losing human lives. Thus, wars may extend into multiple “phases,” compounding destruction and exhausting national resources. This talk explores the limits of technology in changing human behavior and strategic decision-making. Ultimately, Dr. Fox contends that war remains a deeply human endeavor – shaped by will, emotion, and political purpose. Machines may characterize the battlefield, but much of what we know about war will remain.

"Superman" (1978) – the classic big-screen treatment of the Man of Steel – ushered in the modern superhero genre and made audiences believe a man could fly. ASU film professor Dr. Joe Fortunato will screen, discuss, and provide live commentary on this 1978 classic. The class will begin with a brief discussion about the background and making of the film. During the screening, live commentary will offer insights into the filmmaking process and guidance on how to read a film creatively. After the film, we’ll discuss what we’ve learned and debate whether it lives up to its reputation as one of the great superhero films and a landmark in American cinema.

The light visible to human eyes represents only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared light has longer wavelengths than visible light – although we cannot see it, cameras equipped with special detectors can. In this class, we’ll explore electromagnetic energy and demonstrate an infrared camera in action. Infrared observations are invaluable for studying the Earth, as well as other planets, moons, and asteroids. We will also discuss their role in monitoring global warming and greenhouse gases on our planet.

The supplement industry thrives on promise – but how much of it is backed by science? In this course, we’ll examine the evidence behind some of the most popular products, from vitamin D to CBD (a best-seller that’s technically illegal to market as a supplement). Along the way, we’ll explore the regulatory gray areas, discuss why supplements remain largely unpoliced, and learn how smart consumers can separate hype from health – and spend their money where it matters.