Sign up now for Vanderbilt Osher fall classes

Osher Folgarait — Leonard Folgarait, professor of history of art, recently taught "Modern Architecture" as part of Osher curriculum. (Joe Howell/Vanderbilt)

Courses geared toward lifelong learners

Hot topics in astronomy, pioneering African American film stars, medical advances, and the history of fashion are among the fall classes offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt.

A fall kick-off with a performance by the Osher Steel Drum Band and cocktail reception will take place Sept. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Blair School of Music. The cost to attend the fall kick-off is $20 per person.

Deadline for class registration is Sept. 16 and available online. The noncredit classes are open to all adults, 50 and older. Membership in the Osher Institute at Vanderbilt enables students to sign up for classes, Lunch and Learn sessions, field trips and other cultural pursuits.

“We strive to keep the Osher curriculum fresh and full of intellectually stimulating discussions in a relaxed environment,” said Norma Clippard, program director. [lquote]”The heavy involvement of renowned Vanderbilt faculty is an important distinction of our lifelong learning program.”[/lquote]

Eleven courses will be offered this fall:

“Science behind the Medicine and Medical Advances” will be taught by various Vanderbilt physicians. The class meets for six Mondays, beginning Oct. 7, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Experts will dispel scientific myths and explain how medical issues get distorted and misunderstood. The location is St. George’s Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Road.
“Hot Topics in Astronomy,” features David Weintraub, professor of astronomy; Robert O’Dell, Distinguished Research Professor of Astrophysics; and Billy Teets, astronomer at Dyer Observatory. Topics include the life of stars, the age of the universe and the development of the Hubble telescope. The class meets for six Tuesdays, starting Oct. 8, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Belle Meade United Methodist Church, 121 Davidson Road.
“The Shakers in America,” will be led by Diane Sasson, lecturer in theology and in women’s studies. The course offers an overview of Shaker history, theology, art, music and more. It meets for six Tuesdays, starting Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Belle Meade United Methodist Church.
“The History of Fashion,” including how clothing design represents general stylistic elements of various time periods, will be taught by Alexandra Sargent, senior lecturer in theatre. The class meets for six Wednesdays, starting Oct. 9, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Commons Center on the Vanderbilt campus.
“Concepts of God,” taught by Professor of Philosophy Michael Hodges, will involve a careful examination of alternative conceptions of God and the religious life. The class meets for six Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Commons Center.
Osher students enjoy academically stimulating classes in relaxed environment (Joe Howell/Vanderbilt).
“American Social History through Dance,” will be taught by Susan Kevra, senior lecturer in French. Social dance will be the focal point for a study of American history, with issues related to race, gender and class to be explored. The class meets for six Thursdays, beginning Oct. 10, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Commons Center.
“Theory of Time,” which will pursue the longstanding question of the definition of time and consider time travel, will be taught by Professor of Physics Thomas Weiler. The class meets for six Thursdays, beginning Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Commons Center.
“Diversity, Dignity and Devotion on Film: War Movies of the 40s – 60s,” will be taught by Frank Dobson, director of the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center and associate provost for undergraduate education. Students will examine movies with pioneering African American film stars Woody Strode and James Edwards. The class meets for six Fridays, starting Oct. 11, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at The Temple, 5015 Harding Road.
“Our Righteous Minds — Exploring a New Frame for Understanding the Moral and Political Divide in America,” will focus on The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided over Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt. Participants will consider the book’s implications for understanding moral and political polarities. The class will be taught by J. Thomas Laney, associate director for the Turner Center for Church Leadership and Congregational Development. It meets for six Fridays, starting Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Commons Center.
“The Amazing World of Illustrated Children’s Books: How to be the Best at Reading to Young Children as a Literacy Volunteer, Parent and Grandparent,” will be taught by Mitchell Korn, adjunct professor of music and educational outreach at the Blair School of Music. Every class will introduce a new book and strategy for engaging individuals in the joy of books and reading. The course is scheduled for six Fridays, starting Oct. 11, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. at the Commons Center.
“The Writing Life” seminar, taught by Victor Judge, lecturer and assistant dean for the Divinity School, is designed for beginning writers with no previous publication experience. Enrollment is limited to 12 new participants. The class will meet the second and fourth Tuesdays from 8:30 to 10 a.m. from October through April (excluding December).