OLLI at Duke Spring 2024 Course Catalog

Welcome!

Spring is a time of growth and renewal and we are clearly feeling the excitement that accompanies such change. OLLI at Duke is now a program within Duke Learning Innovation and Lifetime Education, led by Vice Provost Yakut Gazi. We are collaborating more closely with Duke Alumni Learning to bring you some new program offerings. Check out the Experiential Learning section highlighted on page 6. We are also partnering with the Duke Lemur Center to present a course led by their staff and research scientists (see page 28).

You may want to consider signing up for a course that meets in person and connect with other members. After all, it’s the social connections that make our program special. I hope you’ll share information about OLLI with your friends and neighbors, especially those who may be experiencing social isolation. If cost is an issue, we have scholarships available. We want our courses to be accessible for everyone.

As you look through our catalog, we hope you will find some engaging instructors and fascinating courses. I’d love to hear what you think about the courses, and we’d especially love to hear about new friends you’ve made at OLLI.

Chris McLeod, J.D. Director, OLLI at Duke

Our Mission

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University seeks to engage the minds, elevate the spirits and foster the well-being of its members through numerous educational programs and opportunities for volunteer service and social activity.

Our Vision

We seek to provide a premier, quality, cost-effective noncredit curriculum with courses that cover a wide range of interests in history, literature, the natural and social sciences, the fine arts and current events.

Our History

OLLI at Duke is one of the oldest and largest institutes within the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute network. Established in 1977 as the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement (DILR), the program was renamed the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Duke in 2006 in honor of the Bernard Osher Foundation. Membership has grown from the original 42 members to as high as 2,570 members in 2019. The current membership is 1,913.

Front cover: Aerial of Duke Gardens in Spring. Photograph by Bill Snead / Duke University / www.duke.edu © Duke University, all rights reserved

Spring 2024 Registration

Registration for Spring 2024 opens on Tuesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, April 10, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

To become an OLLI member and create an account, go to learnmore.duke.edu/olli and click “Join OLLI.” We recommend joining in advance of registration. This login information is also used to access your online class sessions.

• This helpful video provides tips and strategies for successful online registration.

In-Person Learning

Our In-Person courses are hosted at the Education Building at Judea Reform Congregation (JRC), located at 1933 W. Cornwallis Road in Durham, and at a few offsite locations.

These courses are marked with the school icon shown above. If you plan to enroll in an in-person course, please see the In-Person Guidelines before registering.

Online Learning

Taking courses online is both convenient and accessible. No need to worry about parking or traffic. With Zoom, you have a front-row seat for all your courses. These courses are marked with the Zoom icon shown above.

Many online courses are recorded for enrollees to watch later. You can even enroll in a course to only watch recordings. These are marked with the recording icon:

Find Your Course Links

The Zoom links for your online courses can be found in your Student Portal. Go to learnmore.duke.edu/olli and click “Student Login.” You will need to log in to access your course every week for class.

Technology Needed for Zoom Courses

Here is the basic technology you’ll need to take an OLLI online course via Zoom:

• Laptop, desktop computer, tablet or smartphone

• Speakers, a headset or earbuds

• Microphone, either internal or external (if speaking in class)

• Webcam, either internal or external (if showing your own video)

• Reliable internet connection (minimum 20 Mbps download speed recommended; connection speed can be checked at www.speedtest.net)

Join us for Zoom Basics & Refresher: Thursday, April 11, 10 a.m. ET. The link will be provided in a member newsletter closer to the event.

OLLI Advisory Council

2023-2024 Officers (one-year elected term)

President: Bobbie Hendrix

Vice President: Ellen Luken

Past President: Marion Jervay

Recording Secretary: Donna West

Advisors at Large (two-year elected term)

To 2025: Ben Edwards, Carol Hamilton

To 2024: Ted Segal, Vacant

Committee Chairs (one-year appointed term)

Community Engagement: Diane Hundley

Curriculum: Vacant

Instructor Relations: Alan Teasley

Legacy: Lisa Gabriel

Leadership Development: Susan Dennison

Member Engagement: Vacant

Social Activities & Hospitality: Vacant

Director: Chris McLeod

About OLLI at Duke

We are a learning community. OLLI members have wide ranging interests in history, literature, the natural and social sciences, wellness, the fine arts and current events. Most of our course offerings are based on members’ requests and the expertise and interests of our instructors. Our curriculum is developed by the Curriculum Committee, which is composed of 12 member volunteers who recruit instructors and carefully curate courses.

We embrace “learning for the love of it.” Both our members and our instructors appreciate that OLLI courses have no tests or grades. While our courses rarely require homework, active participation is encouraged.

Our instructors teach for the love of learning. No tests or grades means that instructors can focus on what is most important to them — teaching. If you find a course inspiring or meaningful, please share your gratitude directly with the instructor.

OLLI at Duke is a cooperative venture. Dozens of volunteers are involved in making the magic happen for OLLI members. Getting involved is a great way to make new connections and build community. Members serve as course moderators or class assistants, lead small group discussions and serve on the Advisory Council to ensure the excellence of OLLI at Duke.

Access & Accommodations

Duke University has policies in place to ensure people with a wide range of abilities have equal access to its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided at any course location, please contact the OLLI office by email before your course begins at olli@duke.edu.

Other Questions?

We have lots more information about OLLI at Duke on our website! You can find out about our policies, FAQs, how to get involved and more. Visit learnmore.duke.edu/olli

Join OLLI at Duke

Becoming a member of OLLI at Duke is easy. Our annual membership fee of $60 entitles members to enroll in courses and workshops, participate in special interest groups, attend social events, and vote in elections. To join, go to learnmore.duke.edu/olli.

Scholarship Support

We want OLLI at Duke courses to be accessible to all who have a passion for lifelong learning. Thanks to the generosity of Lynne Blake, a former OLLI president, scholarship support is available to those who may not otherwise be able to attend. For information, please email Kathy.Parrish@duke.edu and ask about our Community Membership. All requests are confidential.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are an added bonus to membership with OLLI at Duke. These groups and clubs provide opportunities to connect outside the classroom. These cover a wide range of topics from book clubs to public policy. Learn more about SIGs here.

Contact Information

To join, learn more or register for a course: learnmore.duke.edu/olli

General and technical questions and member support: olli@duke.edu

Concerns and feedback: Director, OLLI at Duke — Chris.McLeod@duke.edu

Curriculum and Volunteer Opportunities: Jenny.Levine@duke.edu

In-Person Operations and Administration support: Kathy.Parrish@duke.edu

Online Technical and Communications support: Betina.Huntwork@duke.edu

Registration inquiries: learnmore@duke.edu

OLLI

Course Support Staff

Jonathan Bitner, Beth Bowling, Alease Davis, Annette Gooch, Jay Starks, Annie Taft, Mary Thompson, Beverly Thorpe

Photograph by Blythe Tyrone, Duke LILE

OLLI Staff: (left to right) Betina Huntwork, Mary Thompson, Jenny Levine, Jonathan Bitner, Alease Davis, Jay Starks, Annette Gooch, Beth Bowling, and Annie Taft.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience, and is more narrowly defined as “learning through reflection on doing.” To augment our offerings, we are adding trips, excursions and other hands-on experiences beyond the classroom.

Exploring the Piedmont Arts

IN PERSON: This special event will offer opportunities to visit some of the less wellknown arts venues in the Piedmont. These excursions will consist of four daylong outings in May. Each week we will visit two of the smaller gems in our regional art world. The tours at each of the venues will be led by owners, guides, curators, docents and directors. Between tours, we’ll enjoy lunch reservations at local eateries. Transportation and lunch are not included in fees, but carpooling is encouraged.

The fee includes the cost of admission/ donation to the venues.

Walking & Attendance

Participants will need to be ambulatory and capable of walking up to a mile. If a participant cannot attend a session, substitutions will not be allowed.

May 2 • Raleigh

CAM (Contemporary Art Museum) Raleigh is a non-collecting museum that provides an environment for transformation through educational programs, cultural experiences, and bold, non-traditional exhibitions by living artists.

The Gregg Museum of Art & Design at NC State focuses on outstanding examples of art, craft, and design. The museum was created when a former NC State chancellor and dean sought to enhance the university’s mission by acquiring and exhibiting art that reflects the university’s curricula.

May 9 • Greensboro

The Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNCG presents, interprets, and collects modern and contemporary art. Besides having an introduction to the museum, we will tour the exhibition of photos by Lalla Essaydi: the Moroccan-born artist grapples with Orientalism and how it contributes to misconceptions about Arab women.

The Blandwood Mansion opened in 1795. The beginning of Romanticism in North Carolina, and the progressive ideals of Governor John Motley Morehead, are illustrated through the architecture, landscape and decorative arts of Blandwood. The museum features a collection of period furnishings and art, including key pieces original to the house.

May 16 • Pittsboro & Saxapahaw

Mark Hewitt Pottery specializes in very large planters and jars, along with finely made smaller items. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, Mark is the son and grandson of directors of the Spode manufacturers of fine china. In 1983 he moved to Pittsboro NC and built a very large wood kiln. He began making distinctive functional pots using local clays, blending different NC folk traditions into a contemporary style.

Paperhand Puppets was founded in 1998 by Donovan Zimmerman and Jan Burger to create a collaboration of epic proportions. The team uses papier-mâché, cardboard, bamboo, your old house paints, cloth, and other assorted junk to create incredible giant

puppets, masks, shadow plays and spectacle performances for all ages. (Pictured above: “A Drop in the Bucket.” Summer show 2015. Photograph by Lee Capps.)

May 23 • Chapel Hill & Carrboro

Cassilhaus is a home, a singular piece of architecture, a lifelong arts project, and a partnership between Ellen Cassilly and Frank Konhaus. Cassilhaus was born as a dream home/art gallery/artist studio and residency and has grown into an exciting nexus for arts activity and community in the Triangle region. Cassilhaus hosts a diverse exhibition program and a multi-disciplinary residency program which brings extraordinary artists from our region and around the world.

Frank Gallery was founded in 2010 as the result of a partnership between the Town of Chapel Hill and a group of local artists who came together with a shared vision to create an arts organization that features work by local artists and enriches the community through exhibitions, events, and arts education.

Ruth Caccavale has a passion for discussing art with people. She has worked in a number museums and education positions. Since her move to North Carolina in 2011, Ruth has taught over two dozen OLLI courses. Last spring she co-led a two-day OLLI cultural trip to Charlotte. She also works in the education department of Duke’s Nasher Museum of Art. For ten years prior to this, she taught a variety of art history classes at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Ruth graduated from Duke in 1981 and received an M.A. from Rutgers in 1985.

Please note: Transportation and lunch are not included in the fees; carpooling is encouraged.

• 4 Thu, May 2 - 23, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• In person at various Piedmont locations

• Maximum: 14; Fee: $360 (includes the cost of admission/donation to the venues); Course ID: 3797

Build Your Strength With Vivo

ONLINE: Muscle strength and balance are critical to maintaining health and independence as we age. Without additional strength training, most older adults will suffer a loss of strength that can negatively impact their balance and mobility. Vivo, a live, online, interactive strength-building course customized to your fitness level, helps you attain physical fitness.

Vivo’s focus is on cognitive, balance and strength exercises. Classes are small and instruction is individualized. Certified personal trainers, skilled in working with older adults, provide modified exercises to meet each student’s fitness needs. Exercise classes meet

Photograph by Lee Capps

Experiential Learning

twice a week for 45 minutes. Participants will receive personal one-on-one assessments before exercise classes begin to establish a baseline for their abilities. Following the conclusion of the exercise classes, a final assessment will be provided to measure your results. Whether you are new to exercise or exercise regularly, Vivo will help you meet your exercise goals. • Active Skill Learning.

Scheduling Notes:

Registration for this course will close on April 25. Upon registration, you will receive an email with steps to schedule your personal assessment and complete your Vivo registration.

Personal Assessments: Apr 29-May 3.

Exercise classes: May 6-Jun 27, two classes weekly (45 minutes, 16 sessions)

Final Personal Assessments: July 1- 3.

Equipment: You’ll need a sturdy chair. Exercise bands will be mailed to all participants. No additional exercise equipment is required. Kevin Snodgrass, NASM – CPT, CES, FNS, SFS, ACE, is the head trainer for Vivo. He is a corrective exercise specialist helping individuals with chronic health issues and injuries improve their strength and mobility, with the goal of returning to their normal activities. In his current role, he is responsible for designing the signature Vivo strength training fitness program, including exercise levels and variations for participants of all ages and abilities.

Free Vivo Information Session

Wednesday, April 17, 12 p.m. ET

See page 9.

Section 1

• 8 Mon & Wed, May 6 - Jun 26 (16 sessions), 9-9:45 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $255; Course ID: 3634-009

Section 2

• 8 Mon & Wed, May 6 - Jun 26 (16 sessions), 10-10:45 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $255; Course ID: 3634-010

Section 3

• 8 Tue & Thur, May 7- Jun 27 (16 sessions), 9-9:45 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $255; Course ID: 3634-011

Section 4

• 8 Tue & Thur, May 7- Jun 27 (16 sessions), 10-10:45 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $255; Course ID: 3634-012

Special Events

Free Information Session: Vivo Exercise Class

Wednesday, April 17 • 12 p.m. ET

Through a partnership between OLLI at Duke and Vivo, OLLI members have the opportunity to participate in interactive virtual exercise classes led by certified personal trainers who have extensive experience with older adults. Vivo is a breakthrough interactive online strength-training fitness program scientifically designed for adults 55 and older that you can join from the safety of your home. These small-group classes are taught by live certified trainers who are focused on building participants’ strength by integrating stretching, balance, cognitive and resistance exercises in a safe, engaging way. Vivo classes are small enough that you get the personal attention you need. And because the classes are taught virtually, you can access everything from the comfort and safety of your own home.

The Vivo program is funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and was designed by Duke alum Eric Levitan (’92) and Kathryn Starr, an associate professor in the Duke School of Medicine. Participants improve their strength, balance and mobility by an average of 25% in just eight weeks.

Eric Levitan started Vivo to help his parents build their strength and maintain their independence. Read more about his story in this Next Avenue column.

Read about Vivo in The New York Times!

See the course description on page 7. Four sections are offered; each meets twice a week for eight weeks.

To learn more about Vivo, visit www.teamvivo.com.

Join us for the Vivo Information Session on Wednesday, April 17, at 12 p.m. ET Zoom link will be shared in the OLLI Newsletter.

New Member Meet & Mingle

Thursday, April 25

In person at JRC 10-11 a.m. ET • Online via Zoom 2-3 p.m. ET

New to OLLI at Duke?

We invite you to join us for an in-person or a virtual Meet & Mingle hosted by the OLLI Leadership Team. New members will have an opportunity to meet other new members, OLLI Advisory Council members and our director, Chris McLeod. More information in an upcoming member newsletter.

Important Dates

Tuesday & Wednesday, April 9 & 10

9 a.m. ET — Registration opens for spring courses

Thursday, April 11

10 a.m. ET — Zoom Basics & Refresher

Thursday, April 25

10 a.m. ET in person and 2 p.m. ET online — New Member Meet & Mingle

Monday, April 29 Spring courses begin

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day, OLLI closed

Monday, June 7

Last day for most spring courses

Monday-Wednesday, June 10-12

Makeup classes

Sunday, July 7

Last day to view spring course recordings

OLLI at Duke Code of Conduct

Curiosity + Connection + Kindness + Compassion = Community

OLLI at Duke endeavors to create a positive and affirming environment that fosters learning and social connection. Members, instructors and staff are expected to demonstrate mutual respect, personal and academic integrity, kindness and a commitment to civil discourse. Ensuring OLLI at Duke is a welcoming, inclusive and affirming learning community is a responsibility we all share. These principles apply to all OLLI courses, whether they are in person or online.

We welcome a lively and passionate exchange of ideas and perspectives. Opposing viewpoints are welcomed and appreciated. Instructors are responsible for leading and moderating classroom discussions. Instructors have the prerogative of inviting/allowing questions throughout the class or asking members to hold their questions until the end of the class or another designated time.

Members, instructors and staff of the OLLI at Duke community are encouraged to contact the director (Chris.McLeod@duke.edu) if they observe behavior that is a significant violation of this code of conduct. The director will investigate, and, if there is a problem, she will address it directly with the alleged violator and determine the consequences. Violations of the code of conduct may result in the suspension or termination of membership/teaching privileges for a member or instructor, or a disciplinary warning/termination of employment for a staff member.

OLLI on YouTube

Did you know OLLI at Duke has a new YouTube Channel? We’ve been collecting recordings from special speakers, community reads, special events, and historical moments from over 45 years of OLLI at Duke. Check out the channel, and join the community by liking or commenting on a video. You can even subscribe to the channel and click the bell to be notified when the next video gets released.

Spring 2024 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, April 10, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

Go to learnmore.duke.edu/olli

Registration FAQs

To make your registration experience as smooth as possible, we have put together a frequently asked questions guide. You will find answers to questions on membership, courses, Zoom and technology and registration at OLLI at Duke FAQs.

Our instructors teach for the love of learning. No tests or grades means that instructors can focus on what is most important to them — teaching. If you find a course inspiring or meaningful, please share your gratitude directly with the instructor.

* An asterisk indicates a new instructor.

Planning Your Course Schedule

This catalog is organized by course subject, with helpful indexes on pages 11-13. Throughout the catalog, each page number in the text or in an index is a link to that page. All course description pages include a “Return to Course Indexes” link at the bottom.

Tip: Course ID numbers make registering easy. Refer to them while registering online and when tracking course confirmations or the waitlist status of a course. Find a course even faster by typing the course ID number into “Advanced Search.”

What the Camera Showed Them: How Artists Used the Camera to Extend Their Artistic Vision

IN PERSON: It is not widely known that many contemporary artists used photography to inform and expand their work in other media. Through lectures, slides and class discussion, this course will explore this phenomenon in the works of Ellsworth Kelly, Eva Hesse, Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt and other well-known sculptors and painters. We will examine color snapshots, Polaroids, large black-and-white prints and photo montages to learn how photography played a key role in the creative process for these artists.

• Lecture + Q&A.

Joyce Nereaux has represented major figures in contemporary art. As co-owner of the John Weber Gallery, she curated exhibitions by artists such as Sol LeWitt, Hans Haacke, Robert Mangold and Robert Smithson. She created a unit at the Leo Castelli Gallery to produce and exhibit video works by living artists. She curated “In Process: Photographs From the 1960s and 1970s” with images by Eva Hesse, Donald Judd and others. She curated exhibitions of drawings from the 1960s by women artists.

• 4 Wed, May 1- 22, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 30; Fee: $60; Course ID: 3815

Exploring the Piedmont Arts

IN PERSON: This special event will offer a unique opportunity to visit some of the less well-known arts venues in this area. For more details, see the new Experiential Learning offering on page 6

Economics & Public Policy

Financial Planning in Retirement: Protecting & Growing Your Nest Egg

IN PERSON: You spent a lifetime building savings. How do you make your money last, and how do you leave a legacy for future generations and nonprofits? Over six sessions, we will review the keys to financial success in retirement. We’ll start with an overview of investing. Then we’ll focus on how to convert your savings into cash in a tax-efficient way. Topics will include sustainable spending rates, required minimum distributions, annuities and Social Security. We’ll discuss stocks, bonds and mutual funds, and we’ll learn how you can put them together in portfolios that make sense. Then we’ll discuss tax-efficient giving (to nonprofits) and gifting (to future generations). We’ll wrap up with a discussion of behavioral finance, which can have a major impact on your finances. The goal is to give you tools you can use to make your savings last through retirement and to leave a legacy.

• Facilitated discussion.

Rick Waechter has 30-plus years’ experience as a financial adviser. He founded Old Peak Finance, a comprehensive financial planning firm in Chapel Hill. He is a certified financial planner (CFP) professional. Rick has taught this course eight times. He is also a volunteer teacher of financial literacy workshops for teens. He has degrees from Princeton University (AB) and Harvard University (MBA).

• 6 Tue, Apr 30 - Jun 4, 9-10:30 a.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 25; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3798

Can We Stop Climate Change?

See listing on page 30

The World Today

ONLINE: Do you enjoy following and discussing current events? Each week, we will look at news and issues from around the world and at home. The instructor will provide an agenda with notes and links, and members of the class are encouraged to propose additional discussion topics. Active participation is encouraged, but not mandatory. Discussions are enriched by the diversity of class members’ backgrounds, expertise and viewpoints. Topics are discussed knowledgeably, respectfully and, sometimes, with passion, but we always end with humor. Students will gain a better understanding of the social and political issues of the world today. Each instructor is an avid news and politics junkie and has experience leading these types of discussions. Each brings his or her own distinctive style and background to the course, and, most importantly, each will encourage a wide selection of views from class members. Students who bring unique or underrepresented points of view are especially welcome. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: We recommend students join class using a computer with as large a screen as possible and a good microphone. Familiarity with Zoom tools is also recommended. Henry Blinder served as city attorney for the City of Durham for many years prior to retirement. He is past president of the North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys and a former deputy attorney general for the State of New Jersey. He has a J.D. degree from Duke University School of Law, and has lived in Durham for more than 35 years.

Dean Block has served in municipal government in three cities, as budget director, deputy city manager and public works director, prior to retirement. He began his career as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Dean holds a master’s degree and has lived in the Triangle since 2009.

Economics & Public Policy

Ginnie Gruendel held senior level positions in Fortune 100 companies and biotech startups as a human resource professional and change management leader. Later, she started a career coaching practice to continue doing the work she loved, helping individuals find their best-fit career. Originally from Philadelphia, she came to Wake Forest 13 years ago.

Doug Longman spent 25 years in marketing management at Fortune 100 firms. He holds a doctorate in business administration and taught at the University of Texas, UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Chicago. Over the past 15 years, he has taught more than 30 OLLI courses in international political economy, public policy, economics and politics/ political science.

Virginia Gray, Ph.D., taught political science at the universities of Kentucky, Minnesota and North Carolina. She participated in election night survey analysis for NBC News in the 1980s. She is an expert on state politics; public policy, including health care reform and criminal justice; and interest groups. Gray has published widely on these and other topics. Gray is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

• 6 Wed, May 1- Jun 5, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 35; Fee: $90; Course ID: 0393

Who Will

Protect the U.S.?

IN PERSON: America can buy as much military hardware as it can afford, but if the people aren’t willing to serve and the public loses confidence in the military, what does that mean for protecting America’s national interests? In this course, we will: 1) summarize the rising geopolitical challenges to the U.S.-led world system and risks to the country’s long-term prosperity and its capability to defend its vital interests; 2) explore the

public’s confidence in the military, partisan gaps, social biases, a declining youth population healthy enough for military service and changes in the populations that have traditionally provided the labor the military needs to fill its ranks; 3) analyze the personnel gaps the military currently faces and how the Pentagon can potentially close them with innovation and recruitment, including potentially employing conscription in addition to volunteers; and 4) hear from VIP speakers (generals) who managed Pentagon personnel policies. • Lecture + Q&A.

Guest Speakers:

• General Roger Brady, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Former Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Former Director of Personnel, U.S. Air Force.

• Major General Chuck Walker (Ret.) is currently the Director of Complex Investigations at the National Guard Bureau, The Pentagon, Washington, DC. He is currently active duty as a weekend warrior with the National Guard and a federal judge.

Recommended text:

• Peter D. Feaver, “Thanks for Your Service” (9780197681138)

Doug Dickerson holds an M.A. in international relations from Boston University (Brussels) and an MBA from Duke. He is a former defense policy adviser to the U.S. ambassador to NATO and executive officer to the secretary of defense representative for Europe. He was country director for several European countries for the Department of the Air Force, commander of the Air Force’s largest logistics squadron, and a Bronze Star recipient. He is the father of a Duke ’26 student.

• 4 Mon, Apr 29 - May 20, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 35; Fee: $60; Course ID: 3816

Hands-On Art

Watercolor Painting With Collage: Florals for Beginners Through Advanced

IN PERSON: If you have always thought it would be wonderful to paint in watercolors, but you have never had real success, then this active, hands-on course is your opportunity to learn how. Every step and technique will be demonstrated using highly individualized instruction, as you work to complete ready-to-frame watercolor paintings. You will begin by painting your own watercolor collage paper (the instructor will provide the collage paper). Next you will paint a background with watercolors. To create your own composition, you’ll glue the collage paper down. The final step will be adding additional watercolors to define your design. It may sound tricky, but it’s fun, and so fast you will probably complete at least two paintings, and you will be amazed by their beauty! This will force you to paint loosely and teach you how to handle unfriendly colors while maintaining brilliance. • Active Skill Learning.

Required supplies/fee: Students can rent materials for in-class use from the instructor for $30 or purchase their own materials for a total estimated cost of $150. For additional information on supplies, please see the course details at learnmore.duke.edu/olli.

Carol Fynn is a certified master teacher and a professional watercolor artist who conducts demonstrations, sells paintings and teaches workshops across the United States and Europe. She is known for her clear instruction and encouraging humor.

• 4 Wed, May 1- 22, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $140; Course ID: 3814

Chinese Brush Painting: Vegetables and Fruits

IN PERSON: Chinese brush painting attempts to capture the essence or spirit of its subject. In this hands-on art course, students will learn how to paint various vegetables and fruits, which are popular brush painting subjects. Each person will complete a beautiful painting within one or two classes while practicing basic brush painting techniques. The instructor will provide a step-by-step demonstration of the subject. Then students will practice painting with the instructor’s help. While practicing, students will learn how to use ink, how to control the brush and how to paint brush strokes. Students will complete a nice brush painting. This course is for both experienced and beginning students. • Active Skill Learning.

Required supplies/fee: Students will purchase materials from the instructor and/or independently for a total estimated cost of $35. For additional information on supplies, please see the course details at learnmore.duke.edu/olli

Jinxiu Zhao (Alice) is a professional artist who specializes in the teaching of Chinese brush painting and calligraphy to both children and adults. She has been teaching in North Carolina for 28 years at all levels of the public schools, at teacher training programs and in private classes.

• 6 Tue, Apr 30 - Jun 4, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3592

If enrolling in a course that meets In Person, please see the In-Person Guidelines before registering.

Hands-On Art History: Past & Present

Creating Colored Pencil Flowers

ONLINE: Are you ready to add some spring color to your life? In this course, we will use Prismacolor colored pencils (or a brand of the student’s choice) to create two gorgeous flowers — perfect for spring! The first flower will be a yellow daffodil and the second one will be a pink saucer magnolia bloom. The designs will be drawn on white hot press watercolor paper, and their finished size will be 6 inches by 9 inches. The course will be divided into two sessions, with three classes for each flower. This will give students plenty of time to complete their projects. Although some basic principles and techniques will be taught, this course is best suited for students who have had some prior experience with colored pencils. • Active Skill Learning.

Required supplies/fee: Students will purchase materials independently for an estimated cost of $30. For additional information on supplies, please see the course details at learnmore.duke.edu/olli.

Cathy Boytos has spent years drawing botanical images with pen and ink as well as colored pencils. She has an extensive portfolio of colored pencil animal and floral illustrations and has won many awards for her colored pencil artwork. An awardwinning graphic designer, a CZT (certified Zentangle teacher) and a very popular OLLI instructor, Cathy has spent her life in the art field.

• 6 Thu, May 2 - Jun 6, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 50; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3793

A Tour of Literary Britain

IN PERSON: Certain parts of England and Scotland are strongly associated with particular authors, such as the Lake District with Wordsworth, London with Dickens and Yorkshire with the Bronte sisters. This course will focus on the influence of the culture and landscape of these places on the work of the authors, and vice versa. We will also consider the experience of visiting the “homes and haunts” of writers, which is known as “literary tourism,” and whether it enhances the enjoyment of their works. The format will be lecture with slides and videos, including breaks for questions and comments. Students will learn about the landscape and culture of the different regions of England and Scotland, enabling them to appreciate more deeply the literature of that region, and also enrich any future trips they may take there. • Lecture + Q&A.

Margaret Brill was the British history librarian at Duke. She was also head of reference, maps librarian and librarian for medieval and Renaissance studies. She grew up just outside London, and has a B.A. in history from the University of London, a master’s in library science from NC Central University and a master’s in liberal studies from Duke. Her primary interest is social history, especially women’s history. This is the 11th course she has taught for OLLI.

• 6 Wed, May 1- Jun 5, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 50; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3788

Finding Course Links in the Student Portal

OLLI members who register for online courses will find the Zoom links for their courses in their Student Portal at learnmore.duke.edu/olli, “Student Login.”

History: Past & Present

Profiles in Deceit

ONLINE: If you came of age when the war in Vietnam was in the daily news, you may wonder how it all began. Would it surprise you to learn that crucial decisions that influenced the war were made by both President Kennedy and President Johnson in 1963? That was the year the United States’ political and military policies in Southeast Asia took a sharp turn. Employing the research of John M. Newman, James W. Douglass and others, this course will examine how both of these presidents sought to deceive the American people to win an election. The entry into America’s great political and military disaster of the late 20th century will be explored in this course, as will the Bay of Pigs incident, the Berlin Wall crisis and the Cuban missile crisis. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: The recommended reading will be referenced in class.

Recommended texts:

• John M. Newman, “JFK and Vietnam: Deception, Intrigue, and the Struggle for Power” (9780446516785)

• James W. Douglass, “JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters” (9781439193884)

John Powers, MFA, is a writer and director with experience in theater and film. Drawing on recent U.S. history as source material for several productions, he has also developed this material into provocative classroom engagements, such as “Dallas: JFK’s Assassination Through a Glass Darkly,” “Nixon and the Pentagon Papers” and “1968: The Year That Rocked.” He has been an OLLI instructor since 2013.

• 6 Tue, Apr 30 - Jun 4, 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3807

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Dueling Narratives

ONLINE: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back a century or more, depending on where you start the story. The dueling narratives of the two sides in the conflict form the basis of this course. Narratives often flatten reality and change over time. Over the duration of this course, we will look at how the competing narratives developed, and how each community viewed their own national movement and that of the other throughout the history of the conflict. We will start with the building blocks of national identity, then follow the conflict through the British mandate period, the era of Arab-Israeli wars, the localization of the conflict through the two intifadas and the disengagement from Gaza, and finally the frequent eruptions of violence over the past two decades. • Lecture + Q&A. Steven Klein is an educator and journalist with a Ph.D. in conflict management from Bar-Ilan University, as well as a B.A. from Duke (1990). An instructor at Tel Aviv University and a senior editor at Haaretz English Edition, he has contributed numerous articles on issues regarding Israeli society and social or political conflict. He has taught for Brandeis’ OLLI, the Scolnic Adult Institute and Case Western Reserve’s Siegal Lifelong Learning program. He lives with his beloved family in Israel.

• 6 Wed, May 1- Jun 5, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3812

History: Past & Present

Liberalism and Its Discontents

IN PERSON: Classical liberalism is a system for governing diverse societies grounded in fundamental principles of equality and the rule of law. It emphasizes the right of individuals to pursue their own forms of fulfillment free from arbitrary government encroachment. In this discussion course, we will examine threats to liberalism from both the right and the left by focusing on populism, neo-liberalism and identity politics in the U.S. We will also consider whether liberalism can be revitalized for the 21st century. Students are expected to read approximately 30 pages each week and actively participate in class discussions. • Facilitated discussion.

Required text:

• Francis Fukuyama, “Liberalism and Its Discontents” (9780374606718)

Richard Melanson enjoyed a 38-year academic career at UCLA, Kenyon College, Brown University and the National War College. He holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Johns Hopkins University and is the author of several books on postWorld War II American foreign policy. He has been an instructor at OLLI since 2016.

• 5 Thu, May 9 - Jun 6, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $75; Course ID: 3801

Spring 2024 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, April 10, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

Literature & Languages

A Study of Five Novellas

IN PERSON: The novella is a strange fictional breed. The one definition on which literary critics agree is its length: narrative fiction that is shorter than a novel and longer than a short story. Saddled with labels like the Goldilocks or no man’s land of fiction and often underestimated, the novella in the hands of a master writer offers the reader unexpected rewards. Its comparative brevity forces writers to be judicious with their diction and maintain a laser focus on the characters and conflicts to achieve an intensity often lacking in shorter or longer works. We will consider the challenges of this genre and examine five novellas by classic and contemporary writers. On subjects ranging from the ordinary (an Irish coal man makes deliveries) to the extraordinary (a man awakens to find he has turned into a giant insect) to the fanciful (Queen Elizabeth stumbles upon a lending library outside of Buckingham Palace), these works lend themselves to thoughtful analysis and spirited discussion. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Editions of “Recitatif,” “Benito Cereno” and “The Metamorphosis” can be found online at no cost and may be used instead of the editions listed below as required texts.

Required texts:

• Herman Melville, “Benito Cereno” (9781480255319)

• Claire Keegan, “Small Things Like These” (9780571368709)

• Alan Bennett, “Uncommon Reader” (9781250907738)

• Toni Morrison, “Recitatif” (9780593315033)

• Franz Kafka, “The Metamorphosis” (9798679770195)

Literature & Languages

Recommended text:

• Claire Keegan, “Foster” (9780571379149)

Marjorie Lancaster did her undergraduate work at Duke and her graduate work at Tulane University. Reading a varied selection of short works of fiction in the spring is especially appealing to her. The literature courses she has taught at OLLI have enriched her understanding of and appreciation for the studied material. For her, a good literature class is one that is fueled by the instructor’s energy, the participants’ curiosity, a guided scrutiny of the text and spirited discussion.

• 6 Tue, Apr 30 - Jun 4, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3787

A Tour of Literary Britain

See listing on page 18.

the Ian McEwan novel. In this discussionbased course, we will use these texts as invitations to think about how we fall into a moral crisis, how we should think about such crises and how we might get out of a crisis.

• Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Students may acquire any edition of the Conrad and Coetzee novels. The instructor will provide PDFs of other readings. Students will need to watch the 2007 film “Atonement” at home. Available for rent on many streaming services. Before the first class, students should read chapters 1-3 of the Book of Genesis in any edition of a King James Version of the Bible.

Required texts:

• J. M. Coetzee, “Disgrace: A Novel” (9780140296402)

• Joseph Conrad, “Heart of Darkness” (9781673303056)

Narrative and Moral Crisis: How Stories Help Solve Life’s Most Persistent Problems

IN PERSON: A moral crisis is a condition of sudden uncertainty involving competing values or principles with no obvious resolution. The experience can be profoundly confusing, but narratives can help us understand ourselves and our situation. In this course, we will consider a number of such narratives: the story in the Book of Genesis of the “fall of man”; two brief novels, Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” and J.M. Coetzee’s “Disgrace”; a short story, Alice Munro’s “The Love of a Good Woman”; brief philosophical examples; and one film, “Atonement,” from

Geoffrey Harpham is a literary scholar and the author of 14 books, including “Scholarship and Freedom” (Harvard University Press), “Citizenship on Catfish Row: Race and Nation in American Popular Entertainment” (University of South Carolina Press) and “Theories of Race” (theoriesofrace.com). He was the director of the National Humanities Center from 2002 to 2015 and a senior fellow in the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke from 2015 to 2021. Last year he taught a film course for OLLI.

• 6 Tue, Apr 30 - Jun 4, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3803

If enrolling in a course that meets In Person, please see the In-Person Guidelines before registering.

Literature & Languages

Conversational

Spanish: Beginner’s Level

Performing Arts

ONLINE: Expanding your vocabulary is key to improving your conversational ability in Spanish. By using a thematic approach, this course allows students to learn vocabulary words in context. This technique allows students to enhance their language acquisition. For example, for the theme la familia, the lesson will focus on words related to the family. Classes will include theme-based lessons followed by in-class practice activities. Students will have opportunities to receive feedback from the instructor as they practice. Students will be required to bring five phrases or sentences related to the theme of each class that they want to learn. This course is for people with some knowledge of Spanish, such as one semester of Spanish. Active participation is strongly encouraged. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Students will need to be prepared to practice verbally in class.

Beatrice Parker has a dual degree in political science and Spanish from UNC-Chapel Hill and is pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at UNC-Chapel Hill, with the degree expected this year. She has spoken Spanish for more than 20 years. All her professional work experience has been in bilingual positions. She taught a Spanish course for OLLI last year. Her goals are to make learning Spanish accessible and for her students to become confident when speaking Spanish in their daily lives.

• 4 Wed, May 8 - Jun 5 (no class May 15), 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $60; Course ID: 3792

Rock Music Rarities ’50s-’80s: Songs & Artists

IN PERSON: After a turbulent start in the 1950s, rock music has survived “doom and gloom” prophesies and secured a firm niche in our culture. So many well-known and respected artists and songs come to mind. Rock lives on. Stores and restaurants set a mood with original or symphonic renditions of songs from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Police and other well-known bands. Rock has a Hall of Fame in Cleveland. TV and radio commercials are backed by past and present popular hits. But for all the acclaim and glamour, there are many rare stories that aren’t part of the conventional wisdom. These tales are marvelous, puzzling, strange and weird (not to mention wacky, mind-boggling and disconcerting). They are stories of adversity, challenge, triumph and tragedy. Through lecture and discussion, we will explore rarities spanning several decades. We will sample lots of amazing music and discuss stories you may not (probably won’t) know. Class members will offer analyses and evaluations.

• Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Guest Speaker:

• Daniel Scheft is a skilled musician who sings and plays drums. He will be joining select classes to illustrate certain types of music and musical techniques. Tom Scheft has drummed in rock bands since 1965. He still keeps the beat (most of the time) while bashing about on his red-swirl Slingerland kit. Now retired, he was a professor in the English Department and School of Education at NC Central University. Part of a rare rock story himself, in 1967, his band, The Rising Storm, printed 500 copies of a vanity album and sold them for $3 each; by 1981, they were collector’s items. In 2023, the band was inducted into the Music Museum of New England.

• 6 Tue, Apr 30 - Jun 4, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 20; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3808

Performing Arts

From “Godspell” to “Wicked”: The Musicals of Stephen Schwartz

ONLINE: In 1971, Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for “Godspell,” a musical adaptation of the Gospel of St. Matthew. That same year, Leonard Bernstein invited Schwartz to contribute lyrics for the composer’s “Mass.” By 1976, with the addition of “Pippin” and “The Magic Show,” Schwartz had three hit shows running in New York. His subsequent stage shows — such as “The Baker’s Wife” and “Children of Eden” — would be less successful, though their scores were highly regarded. In the 1990s, he wrote scores for the films “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “The Prince of Egypt.” In 2003, he returned to Broadway as composer and lyricist of “Wicked,” which has been running for over 20 years. In this survey of Schwartz’s career, students will learn about the distinctive characteristics of his work by listening to and watching excerpts from his shows and films. The course is primarily lecture with video and audio clips, but students will be able to ask questions and make comments.

• Lecture + Q&A.

Recommended texts:

• Michael Kantor & Laurence Maslon, “Broadway: The American Musical” (9781493047673)

• Carol de Giere, “Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked” (9781540031464)

Alan Teasley began his career as a high school English and drama teacher. After retiring from the Durham Public Schools in 2006, he taught in Duke’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. He is an avid theatergoer with a particular fondness for American musicals. This is his 14th course on musical theater for OLLI.

• 5 Tue, Apr 30 - May 28, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $75; Course ID: 3799

“Titanic” to “Oppenheimer”: The Best Film Music From the ’90s to Today

ONLINE: More than ever, music is a fundamental component of a film’s emotional force. We will explore what is behind the best film scores in today’s evolving world. Anecdotes and superb audiovisuals will introduce students to the artistic and business aspects of the music in a variety of notable films. We will review the following composers and films: Thomas Newman, “American Beauty”; John Williams, “Schindler’s List”; Hans Zimmer, “Interstellar”; Rachel Portman, “Emma”; Jonny Greenwood, “The Power of the Dog”; Justin Hurwitz, “La La Land”; and others from a fantastic new generation. The music of these great composers allows us to see the films with new eyes and hear the films with new ears. • Lecture + Q&A.

Recommended text:

• Larry M. Timm, “Film Music: The Soul of Cinema” (9781269897853)

Emanuel Abramovits, MBA, is a mechanical engineer and was directly involved in the promotion of many concert events by international artists, including Itzhak Perlman, Sarah Brightman, Roger Hodgson, Asia and Kenny G. He designed and staged awarded orchestral events and several world premieres. He served as cultural director at Union Israelita de Caracas 2008 to 2019, released books and organized film festivals, concerts and art exhibits. He teaches courses online and in person across the U.S.

• 6 Mon, Apr 29 - Jun 10 (no class May 27), 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3786

Photography

Black-and-White Photography

ONLINE: Have you ever found yourself spellbound by an ethereal black-and-white photograph, with something about it capturing your attention and compelling you to take it in? Did the image make you feel that way because it spoke clearly to you? Or did you feel an unconscious connection to it that drew you deeper into the frame, something familiar but without a name? It’s likely that you have had these emotional reactions to such photos, but you may never have considered what it takes to create this type of image. This discussion-based course will reveal the elements that come together to make powerful black-and-white photographs. We will explore the techniques required to translate emotional meaning into visual art. Students will learn to produce striking black-and-white images by either shooting in black and white or converting color images. You may use a digital camera or a smartphone with the help of simple photo-editing tools. Much of our time will be spent reviewing participants’ photos. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Students will be taking pictures with their cameras or smartphones. No special camera equipment is required.

John Sehon has been teaching photography courses for OLLI for the past 20 years. Before the pandemic he taught in the classroom and for the past four years online using Zoom. His teaching style encourages sharing and class participation.

• 6 Mon, Apr 29 - Jun 10 (no class May 27), 1:30-3:30 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3588

All OLLI at Duke classes and events are in Eastern Standard Time

Picture Portfolio: Telling Your Story

ONLINE: This course is about using pictures to tell a story. A portfolio is an organized series of pictures with an artist’s statement about their meaning. By the end of this sixweek course, you will have a portfolio of seven to 15 images you can enjoy, print, share and upload to a website. We will begin with a brief talk on some of the aspects of portfolios, illustrated by examples, and we will discuss possible directions you may want to take your portfolio. The classroom focus will be on your ideas, showing and discussing your work, and getting feedback. Between classes, you will work on what you want to say, the pictures that help you say it and the statement that organizes and conveys your thoughts. This course is not about technical skills. It is an interactive, creative effort, expressing a story through pictures. All that is needed is a digital camera and the ability to upload digital images to the class website. The instructor will be available for one-onone assistance as needed. • Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Students need a digital camera from which they can download images and the ability to then upload those images to the class website. Another OLLI course, Build a Website Using Weebly (see page 27 ), would be a good complement to this course.

Recommended text:

• Beaumont Newhall, “The History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present” (9780870703812)

Jon Meyer ’s portfolios “In the Mind’s Eye” and “Inner Darkness” were published in FotoNostrum Magazine in 2021. Both also had solo shows at Through This Lens gallery in Durham. “Just Another Pretty Landscape” was published in LensWork in 2023 and that same year had a solo show at

Photography

Through This Lens gallery. He is currently working on “Jordan Lake: Two Rivers and the Hand of Man.” His “Inner Darkness” portfolio received a Spotlight Award from Black & White Magazine.

• 6 Wed, May 1- Jun 5, 1:30-3 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 14; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3804

Embracing Imperfection

ONLINE: Are you seeking the perfect lens?

The perfect sensor size? The perfect landscape? Why do we chase perfection? And why are so many young people going back to shooting with film and in love with instant cameras? This course will challenge you to break through the inescapable photographic convention of perfection and symmetry to effect a more personal and authentic aesthetic in your photography. Through presentations, class discussion and assignments, we will explore:

1) the social and technological conditioning that views perfection as an ideal artistic goal; 2) imperfection and “impermanence,” from the Japanese aesthetic of wabisabi to the work of renowned photographers such as Robert Adams, Sally Mann, Garry Winogrand, Sarah Moon and Kenro Izu;

3) the emotive power of imperfection and how it can yield individuality and “value”;

4) strategies and techniques for freeing yourself from the expectations of perfection to create work that reflects your true emotions and experiences. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Homework assignments are voluntary, but students are encouraged to do them and to share their work with their fellow students for the purpose of discussion.

Images will not be critiqued. Instead, they will be viewed as an effort to either learn or to reinforce what is learned in class. For a full list of recommended reading, please see the course details at learnmore.duke.edu/olli

Recommended texts:

• Leonard Koren, “Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers” (9780981484600)

• Ingo Taubhorn, “Sarah Moon: Now and Then” (9783868286564)

• Sarah Moon and Robert Delpire, “Sarah Moon” (9780500411063)

• Robert Adams, “Beauty In Photography” (9780893813680)

Fran DeRespinis is a photographer, workshop leader and lecturer on photographic aesthetics. He has exhibited in the Hudson Valley of New York; Providence; Vienna, Virginia; Key West; Brooklyn; Kokomo, Indiana; and throughout the Triangle area with work in private collections in Miami, Brooklyn and Vienna, Austria. A graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, he has also studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York and the Center for Photography at Woodstock in Woodstock, New York.

• 6 Tue, Apr 30 - Jun 4, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 25; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3796

Religion & Philosophy

Narrative and Moral Crisis: How Stories Help Solve Life’s Most Persistent Problems

See listing on page 21.

Process Philosophy: A Theory of Everything?

ONLINE: In 1929, Cambridge theoretical physicist turned Harvard philosopher Alfred North Whitehead published a truly revolutionary model of the universe. This model is grounded not in matter, but in events and processes, driven by the relentless pursuit of experience, feelings and satisfaction in a universe whose ultimate reality is creativity. By incorporating all “the various elements of our experience into a consistent relation to each other,” Whitehead proclaimed his philosophy complete, self-consistent and “adequate for the interpretation of the ideas and problems which form the complex texture of civilized thought.” This course introduces fundamental “process-relational” concepts and examines their influences on science, religion and ecology. Participants are provided with weekly readings that invite Q&A, discussion and reflection in small groups about viewing nature and our place in it from

a deeply interrelational perspective, essentially a new worldview. • Facilitated discussion. Please note: The recommended reading can be downloaded for free. Students can access the link upon registration.

Recommended text:

• C. Robert Mesle, “Process-Relational Philosophy: An Introduction to Alfred North Whitehead” (9781599471327)

Steve Barrell’s pursuit of answers to big questions began with apparitional encounters in his youth. Further anomalous experiences convinced him that the universe is more interesting than our philosophy believes it to be, which led him to study process philosophy at the Claremont School of Theology. A pioneer scholar and clavichord performer, Steve holds an M.A. in musicology from Duke and certifications in hypnosis and parapsychological field investigation of anomalous spontaneous phenomena.

• 6 Thu, May 2 - Jun 6, 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3806

Spring 2024 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, April 10, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

Staying in Touch

When you join the OLLI at Duke mailing list, you’ll receive the OLLI Newsletter with up-to-date information on upcoming events, special activities and course registration details.

Sign up here; you can unsubscribe at any time.

Science & Technology

Build a Website Using Weebly

IN PERSON: Do you want to build a website?

In this course, students will gain a comfortable understanding of the tools that are available in the Weebly editing system to build and maintain a personal website. These tools include the Weebly build, pages, themes, apps and settings frames. You will learn to create and import text; add single images and galleries; display PDFs; link to slides, video files and audio files; link to YouTube videos; and use “buttons” to create interactivity on the website. Because the Weebly editor creates the needed HTML code automatically, no programming is involved. During each class, students will create their own website under the step-bystep guidance of the instructor. A mutually supportive learning environment will be maintained. Examples of websites built either by the instructor or his previous students will be examined. Students will leave the course with a customized website of their own, and the tools (and confidence!) they need to maintain it. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: No programming skills are needed. Students must bring a laptop or a tablet, such as an iPad or a Chromebook, to each session. A smartphone is not a suitable substitute.

Alan Magid began his involvement with academic computing in 1960 as a freshman at the University of Michigan. Over the years, he taught himself to program in several languages, HTML (for websites) being the most recent. He has tutored more that 20 OLLI instructors on using Weebly to build websites for their courses. Alan taught OLLI courses on cooking science and led Foodie Field Trips to local restaurants. He retired in 2007 from a career in experimental biophysics and science education.

• 6 Tue, Apr 30 - Jun 4, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3789

Camels, Dolphins and Mules

ONLINE: At first blush, camels, dolphins and mules seem to have little in common. Yet they each have had a place alongside humans for centuries. This lecture-based course will explore topics such as: What is inside camels’ humps? How long can camels survive without drinking water? Can dolphins sense what is going on inside human beings? Why do dolphins seem to be smiling, but porpoises look sad? What creates those loud and raucous brays that mules make? Why should your grandkids consider a pet mule instead of a pet horse? We will learn about the anatomy, behavior and characteristics of each of the three animals, along with their roles throughout history. Even today, each creature continues to play a different, but important, part in human progress. Take an educational adventure into this delightful realm of knowledge that may surprise you! • Lecture + Q&A.

Stephenie Slahor holds a Ph.D. degree and a J.D. degree and is retired from her law practice and university and law school teaching. She now creates OLLI courses for colleges and universities around the nation, primarily focusing on the natural sciences and on places around the world that have a fascinating historical, geological or biological/ environmental significance.

• 3 Tue, Apr 30 - May 14, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $45; Course ID: 3790

Science & Technology

Lemur 101:

Duke’s Lemur Center

ONLINE: This course offers an in-depth introduction to the world of lemurs. Each lesson will be led by an expert from the world-renowned Duke Lemur Center. Students will have the opportunity to learn from the people leading the center’s critical work, which is to study and protect these unique animals in Durham and in Madagascar. While instructors will discuss lemurs throughout their classes, they will explore complex science and conservation themes through the focused lens that lemurs provide. They will also share fantastic photos and videos of the center’s inhabitants. See topics below. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: Students will be given the opportunity to separately register for a final culminating event at the Duke Lemur Center in Durham, celebrating the end of the course by meeting the experts and lemurs introduced along the way.

May 1 • Megan McGrath

Intro to Lemurs, Madagascar, and DLC

Megan McGrath, the education programs manager at the Duke Lemur Center, has been educating others about wildlife for her entire life, whether they wanted to hear it or not. Her professional career officially began 14 years ago as a big cat keeper and tour guide. She has led the center’s education and tour program for over seven years, and has since made it her personal mission to introduce everyone to the wonderful and weird world of aye-ayes — a truly unique nocturnal lemur.

May 8 • Matt Borths, Ph.D.

Lemur Evolution and Primate Origins

Matt Borths is the curator of the Duke

Lemur Center Museum of Natural History. Prior to joining the center’s leadership team in 2018, Matt’s passion for paleontology led him to study massive extinct carnivores and to create outreach initiatives to share what he learned. Matt is a champion of educational outreach and leads expeditions in places that range from Wyoming to Peru to Madagascar in search of the evolutionary origins of lemurs.

May 15 • Erin Ehmke, Ph.D.

Non-Invasive Research at the DLC

Erin Ehmke is the director of research at the Duke Lemur Center. Erin’s desire to follow in the footsteps of her childhood hero Jane Goodall led her from a pre-veterinary track to years of field research experience studying monkeys in Panama and Suriname. Erin’s role allows her to combine her primatology passion with her equal passion for educating and mentoring students looking to begin their own careers.

May 23 • Meg Dye

Positive Reinforcement Training in Lemur Science & Welfare

Meg Dye is the curator of behavioral management and welfare at the Duke Lemur Center. Meg’s decades-long career in animal training, behavioral management and welfare began with training dolphins, seals and sea lions, which led to a career consulting at zoos around the country on behavioral management and training practices. Meg’s role at the center evolved to a permanent position on the curatorial team, ensuring the highest level of care for lemurs.

May 30 • Julie Ter Beest, D.V.M.

Lemur Veterinary Care

Julie Ter Beest is the supervising veterinarian at the Duke Lemur Center. When Julie

Science & Technology

joined the center in 2022, she brought expansive experience from her career as a zoo, wildlife and domestic animal veterinarian. In her tenure at the center, Julie has overseen all aspects of lemur veterinary care, from routine exams to critical cases to ensuring the health of new baby lemurs. She’s seen it all.

June 5 • Charlie Welch

Community-Based Conservation

Charlie Welch is the conservation coordinator at the Duke Lemur Center. Charlie’s decades-long career with the center began before the conservation program he now manages even existed. Charlie spent 15 years living in Madagascar, establishing the community relationships and programs that are foundational to the center’s conservation program today, and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience in communitybased conservation in Madagascar.

• 6 Wed, May 1- Jun 5, 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3800

Mastering the Internet

IN PERSON: Do you wonder what the cloud really is and how it works? Do you get frustrated by the pop-up windows in your browser that ask if you are willing to accept cookies? Are you curious why some sites prompt you to provide both an email address and a phone number when you create an account? You are not alone. Everyone experiences challenges using the internet at some point. This course is designed to help you improve your digital life by giving you a deeper understanding of basic digital technology concepts. We will explore how the internet and

cloud technology work through a series of lectures and instructor-led exercises using a browser. You will become more familiar with common browser features and learn how to better use them to your advantage. You will gain a clearer understanding of what happens when you log in to a site, and how using a password manager can make it easy to create and use strong passwords. This course will increase your confidence when surfing the internet. • Lecture + Q&A, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Students will need to bring a laptop to class to participate in hands-on exercises. Students will also need to download and install Google’s (free) Chrome browser and have a Google account to complete exercises. Instructions on how to download and install Chrome and create a Google account will be shared with students via email prior to the first session.

David Shamlin began exploring computers and coding as a teenager. After studying computer science at NC State University, he embarked on a 35-year career in software engineering at SAS Institute. In the last 20 years of his tenure at SAS, working as a research and development director, he led teams implementing distributed platform architectures, big data analytics and cloud computing. David enjoys spending time surfing the web and is passionate about helping others grow their digital literacy.

• 6 Wed, May 1- Jun 5, 9-11 a.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3802

If enrolling in a course that meets In Person, please see the In-Person Guidelines before registering.

Science & Technology

Can We Stop Climate Change?

ONLINE: Are you concerned about climate change and want to be more knowledgeable and involved? This course’s five 90-minute sessions will cover the following topics:

1) the science and problems associated with climate change; 2) climate modeling that explores the effectiveness of various solutions; 3) advances in renewable energy, primarily wind and solar; 4) understanding public attitudes and learning how to start conversations; and 5) becoming active in addressing climate change and creating a personal action plan. Classes are limited in size to allow for student participation and interaction. Supplemental readings and videos will be recommended for optional homework, along with a few outreach opportunities that have proven to be popular.

• Facilitated discussion.

Guest Speaker:

• An ambassador who will explain the MIT Sloane and Climate Interactive En-ROADS climate model.

Recommended texts:

• David Wallace-Wells, “The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” (9780525576716)

• Jeff Goodell, “The Water Will Come” (9780316260206)

• John Vaillant, “Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World” (9781524732851)

• Katharine Hayhoe, “Saving Us” (9781982143848)

Tony Lee has been involved with climate change issues for over 30 years. He has led courses, given talks and advocated for change. Together with a team, he developed the Can We Stop Climate Change? course, which has reached over 400 people. Now retired from accounting and

construction claims consulting, Tony is focused on providing a livable world for his three grandsons. His education includes a B.A. from Yale University and an MBA from Rutgers University.

Renee Purdy retired in 2023 after 34 years in public service. She was executive director of the California Environmental Protection Agency Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she oversaw surface water and groundwater protection. With a passion for environmental protection and sustainability, she held researcher, consultant, policymaker and regulator roles. She is currently actively in climate change outreach and education. Renee earned a B.S. at the College of William and Mary and an M.R.P. at UNC-Chapel Hill.

• 5 Wed, May 1- 29, 9-10:30 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 20; Fee: $75; Course ID: 3791

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience, and is more narrowly defined as “learning through reflection on doing.” Join us for learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Spring 2024

Exploring the Piedmont Arts Arts in Raleigh; Greensboro; Pittsboro & Saxapahaw; and Chapel Hill & Carrboro

Build Your Strength With Vivo

A live, online, interactive strength-building course customized to your fitness level

See pages 6 - 8 .

Science & Technology

Beyond Cable! Making Smart Streaming Choices

IN PERSON: Baffled or frustrated by the ever-changing world of streaming television? This course, updated for 2024, provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of modern streaming technology, services and content. It will benefit both those who have already “cut the cord” of traditional cable TV as well as those considering that transition. Topics will include: basic concepts of over-the-air broadcasts, cable TV, on-demand streaming and live streaming; using streaming devices (e.g., Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs); and an overview of popular streaming services. Students will learn how to connect and use these devices and services, along with strategies and resources to find content and choose services. Participants are encouraged to log their viewing habits prior to (or during) the course to help them in planning. The goal is to empower students to create a personalized game plan for a well-informed, cost-effective and enjoyable streaming experience.

• Lecture + Q&A.

Howard Koslow has over 30 years’ experience as a software developer at IBM. Now retired, he continues to explore technology for creative and productive uses, and to teach others to embrace it. He has been teaching and updating this course since 2018.

• 4 Mon, Apr 29 - May 20, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 50; Fee: $60; Course ID: 3459

All

Eco-Friendly Gardens: Harmony in Habitat

ONLINE: This three-session course explores the creation of home gardens that support wildlife, promote pollinators and adapt to local ecosystems. It focuses on creating “ecological gardens,” which promote balance and coexistence within the local habitat. The course will explore the concept of eco-zones in gardening, and how the climate, soil and topography can shape plant choices. Students will be able to identify their local ecozone, select region-appropriate plants and adopt sustainable practices. Attendees will also learn about the vital role of pollinators, discover plants that attract them and gain insights into maintaining a year-round blooming garden. The final lecture will emphasize designing a wildlife-friendly garden that uses native plants, provides water sources and shelter, and offers food for various species. Practical tips for maintaining a garden and participating in citizen science projects will be shared. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Neeti Bathala is a seasoned professor teaching ecology and environmental sciences. A recipient of a scholarship from The Garden Club of New Jersey, she lectures widely, imparting practical knowledge with academic expertise. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is a children’s book author focusing on citizen science and coastal conservation. A Duke alumna with a master’s from the Nicholas School of the Environment, Neeti also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke.

• 3 Wed, May 8 - 22, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 40; Fee: $45; Course ID: 3795

Science & Technology

Birth, Life and Death of Stars

IN PERSON: Stars are born quietly, but many die in spectacular, violent ways. A century ago, nuclear fusion was identified as the main energy source powering the stars. Ever since, astrophysicists have studied stellar evolution intensely. New powerful telescopes, both ground- and space-based, have vastly increased our understanding of stars. While a great amount of specialized knowledge has been developed, the purpose of this course is to distill this information into essential aspects accessible to nonexperts. We will address the three main areas of stellar evolution: birth, life and death. This lecture-based course will provide students with a greater appreciation for the wonderful complexity of our star-filled universe and can lead to further study of the nature of stars. • Lecture + Q&A.

Don Ellison is professor emeritus in the Physics Department of NC State University. In 1982 Ellison earned a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America in Washington. He had joint postdocs at the University of Maryland and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center before joining NCSU in 1987. In addition to research in high-energy astrophysics, Ellison taught physics and astrophysics at the university level and since 2019 has taught OLLI courses for OLLI at Duke, NCSU and the University of Pittsburgh.

• 3 Mon, Apr 29 - May 13, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 50; Fee: $45; Course ID: 3332

Society & Culture

So What Is Structural Racism?

ONLINE: Structural racism. Systemic inequality. White supremacy. Reflecting decadeslong activism to rectify racial inequities, these and similar terms are increasingly being used in U.S. popular discourse, on the news, on social media and in our own OLLI classes. But they are often not defined or explained. Whether you are newly learning about these systemic problems or have been engaged in long-standing anti-racist work, this course can provide you with the tools you need to engage more deeply in conversations about and actions against structural racism. Drawing on both in-depth academic research and accessible video explainers, this course covers foundational theories of structural racism, key terms and definitions, and applications to the legal and health care systems. Together we will work through these ideas and become more conversant in the problems, explanations and solutions related to dismantling racial inequities in U.S. society. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: The course will consist almost entirely of active student participation in instructor-facilitated class discussions. The recommended reading is for those who wish to know more.

Recommended texts:

• Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, “White Supremacy and Racism in the Post-Civil Rights Era” (9781588260048)

• Moon-Kie Jung, “Beneath the Surface of White Supremacy: Denaturalizing U.S. Racisms Past and Present” (9780804789387)

Madeleine G. Straubel (she/her) is a white Ph.D. candidate in sociology at UNC-Chapel Hill who studies race and racism. She earned a B.A. in

Society & Culture

English from Guilford College and an M.A. in sociology from UNC-CH. Durham born and raised, she researches how Durham residents experience and explain gentrification, racial inequality and themselves. This is her second OLLI course, building on her prior experience teaching undergraduate sociology courses in race, gender and theory at UNC-CH.

• 6 Thu, May 2 - Jun 6, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3809

The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government

Segregated America

ONLINE: Prior to the publication of Richard Rothstein’s groundbreaking work, citizens, policymakers and courts alike subscribed to the myth that Black and white Americans live separately by choice. By meticulously documenting the role of government in racial zoning, bank loan redlining, subsidizing the creation of whites-only suburbs and blatant housing discrimination against Black citizens, Rothstein convincingly exposed how federal, state and local governments deliberately and systematically imposed racial segregation. Combining an in-depth study of his landmark book “The Color of Law” with selected articles, interviews and primary legal resources, we will explore this history while embracing our obligation to remedy our unconstitutional past. By introducing Richard and Leah Rothstein’s new book, “Just Action,” we will also explore how ordinary citizens can begin to challenge residential segregation that is both created and perpetuated under the color of law. Discussion will be facilitated. • Facilitated discussion.

Guest Speaker(s):

• The instructor may invite one or two guest speakers to class sessions.

Please note: Students will be assigned chapters from the required text to read prior to each class session, with additional (optional) recommended resources posted on the course website. Some class sessions will feature small group discussions in breakout rooms.

Required text:

• Richard Rothstein, “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” (9781631494536)

Recommended text:

• Richard Rothstein & Leah Rothstein, “Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted under the Color of Law” (9781324093244)

Cathy Rimer-Surles, J.D., MLS (she/they), a graduate of Duke and NC Central University School of Law, is an attorney, educator and passionate community advocate. A longtime resident of Durham deeply influenced by her experiences growing up queer, gender nonconforming and white in the South, she organizes and agitates for justice and liberation in this city she loves as a core leader of Organizing Against Racism (OAR Durham) and Episcopalians United Against Racism (EUAR).

• 6 Thu, May 2 - Jun 6, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 35; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3810

Spring 2024 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, April 10, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

Society & Culture

Three Female Filmmakers

IN PERSON: Explore the contributions of pioneering film directors Dorothy Arzner, Ida Lupino and Lina Wertmuller in this course that delves into the historical context of female directors working in the male-dominated film industry. With a particular focus on Arzner, whose work remains relatively unknown, we will analyze the distinctive attributes of films created by women compared to those created by men. Investigating these differences is crucial to understanding the evolution of cinematic storytelling and its contemporary relevance. The course will feature screenings of three films that provide a comprehensive examination of the unique perspectives and narrative styles brought forth by these trailblazing female directors. The three films we will watch are: “Dance, Girl, Dance” (1940), Dorothy Arzner; “Outrage” (1950), Ida Lupino; and “Seven Beauties” (1975), Lina Wertmuller. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Please note: In class sessions 1, 3 and 5, we will screen the films. In class sessions 2, 4 and 6, we will discuss how these women managed to become directors in a male-dominated industry.

Mark Spano is a prolific writer, filmmaker, television producer and lecturer. His documentary “Sicily: Land of Love and Strife” was released in the U.S. and Canada, was presented at the Toronto Italian Film Festival and aired in the U.S. and Europe. Mark is now developing a documentary about women cooking on the Aeolian island of Filicudi. Mark has been a visiting lecturer at East Carolina University and NC State University. He has lectured around the U.S. and Canada and for several OLLIs.

• 6 Tue, Apr 30 - Jun 4, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 40; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3813

Wines of the Adriatic

IN PERSON: Join us on a journey through the vineyards of the Adriatic. We will explore some of the most famous wine regions surrounding the Adriatic Sea, such as those in Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Each week, we will taste four wines from these areas and discuss foods that pair well with each. We will get to know each region through an examination of the historical events that have impacted its wine production, how its climate affects the grapes, the styles of wine most common to the region and the varieties that are most frequently produced in the region. If you love Mediterranean wine and want to deepen your knowledge, this is a great way to do it. Please join us! • Lecture + Q&A.

Required supplies/fee: There is a $32 tasting fee for 16 wines over four weeks. Please be prepared to pay the instructor’s assistant on the first day of class; cash or check is accepted.

Thomas Thorne has been a professional sommelier for 20 years. He owns Wine Fifty Five, a local wine consulting company focused on education, sales and sommelier services. He has headed wine programs at the Fearrington House, Carolina Inn and Siena Hotel. He was an owner of Hope Valley Bottle Shop. He is a certified sommelier, accredited through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Section 1

• 4 Tue, Apr 30 - May 21, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $60;

Course ID: 3817-001

Section 2

• 4 Tue, Apr 30 - May 21, 3:30-5 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $60;

Course ID: 3817-002

Wellness Activities

The End of Life: Options and Decisions

IN PERSON: Many people say they want to die peacefully at home among their family and friends, but the health care system’s default is to do everything possible to keep a patient alive. Thus, many people die in a hospital bed or in the intensive care unit. Those able to make their own decisions often do not have the knowledge they need to ensure they stay in control of their dying process. For those unable to make their own decisions, generic advance directives provide little guidance to surrogate decision makers and health care providers. This course will present information about options to help students ensure they have a peaceful death on their own terms. We will discuss medical aid in dying (legal in 10 states and Washington), terminal sedation, voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, pain control and hospice. The instructor will cover several issues that need to be addressed in a comprehensive advance directive, including those specific to dementia. • Lecture + Q&A. Please note: The recommended reading is an excellent source of information and will be referenced in the course.

Required text:

• Sherwin B. Nuland, “How We Die: Reflections on Life’s Final Chapter” (9780679742449)

Recommended text:

• Atul Gawande, “Being Mortal” (9781250076229)

Janet O’Keeffe, Dr.P.H., RN, has 30 years of experience as a researcher and policy analyst on a wide range of aging, disability, health and longterm care issues. She also has clinical experience as a registered nurse.

• 4 Wed, May 1- 22, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 20; Fee: $60; Course ID: 3811

Happy Conversations

IN PERSON: Successfully developing and maintaining relationships with our adult children requires fine-tuning our listening skills and understanding how our emotional intelligence skills affect our relationship dynamics. Realizing we need to shift away from a parental role can be difficult. Establishing, nurturing and maintaining this evolved relationship dynamic in our conversations with our adult children can be challenging and filled with “traps.” During this course, you will learn your communication and learning styles and how your own level of internal happiness affects your conversational dynamics. We will touch on how our level of emotional intelligence colors our conversations. We will then discuss how you can apply this knowledge to your interactions along with some do’s and don’ts for parent-adult child conversations. Tips on what not to say and how to say what you need to say while minimizing tension in the relationship will be provided. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Recommended text:

• Marci Shimoff, “Happy for No Reason” (9781416547730)

Alita Bluford is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a Master of Science from Eastern Michigan University in human resources and organizational development. She has taught several courses on communication for OLLI at Duke and NC State University. She recently became a Happy for No Reason certified trainer. In her spare time she is involved in service dog training, theater club, choir and offering professional organizing services in her community.

• 6 Wed, May 1- Jun 5, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 25; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3645

Wellness Activities

Taiji Ball & Restorative Qigong

ONLINE: Looking for an easy, entertaining, weight-bearing exercise you can do at home that tones the whole body and builds strength, stamina and ease of motion? Taiji (tai chi) ball has been practiced for generations to do just that. The ball or sphere, an image of energetic balance and integrity, is the only piece of equipment you’ll need. You will learn a 30-movement routine focused on three energy reservoirs (head, heart and belly) and the powers of sky, living things and Earth. In addition, we will practice Rising Lotus Medical Qigong and other exercises for healing, relaxation and stress reduction.

• Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Participants provide their own ball: approximately 6 to 8.5 inches in diameter and a weight you can handle. Starting light still balances energy and improves posture and mobility. More weight begins to tone and build strength. Most people start with a weight between 1 and 6 pounds. You should be able to hold it without strain on one palm and pass it hand to hand around

your waist. You may even begin with a child’s play ball or soccer ball. Textured rubber or faux leather medicine balls (Champion, Rhino, etc.) are good for starters, available from $20 to $50. You might experiment with medicine balls of varying weights at a sporting goods store, and purchase there or online.

Required supplies/fee: Students will purchase an exercise ball for an estimated cost of $30.

Jay Dunbar (M.A., English literature, Duke; Ph.D., education, UNC-Chapel Hill) is director of the Magic Tortoise Taijiquan School (magictortoise.com). An “indoor” student of Grandmaster Jou Tsung Hwa, he has studied taijiquan and qigong since 1975 and has taught in the Triangle since 1979. He has offered courses through OLLI each year since 2003, and becgan teaching online in the Fall 2020 term.

• 6 Thu, May 2 - Jun 6, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3617

All OLLI at Duke classes and events are in Eastern Standard Time

New Member Meet & Mingle

Thursday, April 25

In person at JRC 10-11 a.m. ET

• Online via Zoom 2-3 p.m. ET

New to OLLI at Duke?

We invite you to join us for an in-person or a virtual Meet & Mingle hosted by the OLLI Leadership Team. New members will have an opportunity to meet other new members, OLLI Advisory Council members and our director, Chris McLeod. More information in an upcoming member newsletter.

Wellness Activities

Build Your Strength With Vivo

ONLINE: Muscle strength and balance are critical to maintaining health and independence as we age. Without additional strength training, most older adults will suffer a loss of strength that can negatively impact their balance and mobility. Vivo, a live, online, interactive strength-building course customized to your fitness level, helps you attain physical fitness.

Vivo’s focus is on cognitive, balance and strength exercises. Classes are small and instruction is individualized. Certified personal trainers, skilled in working with older adults, provide modified exercises to meet each student’s fitness needs. Exercise classes meet twice a week for 45 minutes. Participants will receive personal one-on-one assessments before exercise classes begin to establish a baseline for their abilities. Following the conclusion of the exercise classes, a final assessment will be provided to measure your results. Whether you are new to exercise or exercise regularly, Vivo will help you meet your exercise goals. • Active Skill Learning.

Scheduling Notes:

Registration for this course will close on April 25. Upon registration, you will receive an email with steps to schedule your personal assessment and complete your Vivo registration.

Personal Assessments: Apr 29-May 3

Exercise classes: May 6-Jun 27, two classes weekly (45 minutes, 16 sessions)

Final Personal Assessments: July 1-3.

Equipment: You’ll need a sturdy chair. Exercise bands will be mailed to all participants. No additional exercise equipment is required.

Kevin Snodgrass, NASM – CPT, CES, FNS, SFS, ACE, is the head trainer for Vivo. He is a corrective exercise specialist helping individuals with chronic health issues and injuries improve their strength and mobility, with the goal of returning to their normal activities. In his current role, he is responsible for designing the signature Vivo strength training fitness program, including exercise levels and variations for participants of all ages and abilities.

Section 1

• 8 Mon & Wed, May 6 - Jun 26 (16 sessions), 9-9:45 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $255; Course ID: 3634-009

Section 2

• 8 Mon & Wed, May 6 - Jun 26 (16 sessions), 10-10:45 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $255; Course ID: 3634-010

Section 3

• 8 Tue & Thur, May 7- Jun 27 (16 sessions), 9-9:45 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $255; Course ID: 3634-011

Section 4

• 8 Tue & Thur, May 7- Jun 27 (16 sessions), 10-10:45 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $255; Course ID: 3634-012

Free Vivo Information Session

Wednesday, April 17, 12 p.m. ET

See page 9

Writing

Writing True & Difficult Stories

IN PERSON: This five-week course delves into the transformative power of expressive writing, with a specific emphasis on crafting true and difficult stories. Participants will explore how expressive writing serves as a therapeutic outlet for release and recovery. Through engaging readings, interactive discussions and hands-on writing exercises, students will develop the skills needed to articulate and navigate their own personal and challenging stories. Students will be encouraged to actively participate in class discussions and seek feedback on their writing throughout the course. • Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Texts will be provided as PDFs and emailed to students prior to classes. Students will be given in-class writing assignments with the expectation that they will further develop their work between classes and bring it to the next class for discussion. At-home writing development should take about 20 minutes.

Recommended text:

• Natalie Goldberg, “Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within” (9781611803082)

Shawna Ayoub, a Durham-based writer, practices and instructs classes focused on writing truth. Her teaching and writing are informed equally by identity and indoctrinated racial, gender-based and religious violence, and seek to break free from artificial constraints. A widely published writer (HuffPost and elsewhere), she has taught memoir courses in person and online for 15 years. Ayoub specializes in writing joyful or difficult stories using expressive writing techniques and prompts.

• 5 Mon, Apr 29 - Jun 3 (no class May 27), 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $85; Course ID: 3818

Poetic License: Telling It Slant

ONLINE: People talk about poetic license, but what is it? Emily Dickinson called it “telling it slant.” Poetic license permits the poet to depart from the facts of a story, or ignore the rules of language. It allows the poet to create something unexpected. It might use words in idiosyncratic ways or create new words. It might result in a poem that’s out of this world! It can exaggerate something or make it microscopic, providing a new perspective. History might come from a different point of view: for example, George Washington’s mother revealing the “truth” about the cherry tree! Above all, using poetic license can spark our imaginations and be terrific fun! In this course, different kinds of license will be considered. We will read poems that use poetic license. In class, we will “rock and roll” your original work. A day before each class, you will send the instructor your poem. She will collect them and email them to the class. In a nurturing environment, we will read and enjoy your poems.

• Facilitated discussion.

Please note: We will look at a group of poems each week, so it is recommended that students have access to a printer.

Jane Seitel has taught over 20 courses at OLLI. She is an expressive arts therapist, writer and teacher. She received her MEd From Lesley University and her MFA from Duke. She believes in the positive impact of the arts through self-expression. Her writing explores the spiritual, historical, human and natural worlds. She founded a poetry press for women over 50 and has published her work in national and international journals.

• 5 Tue, Apr 30 - May 28, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $85; Course ID: 3805

Writing

Discovering Your Memoir

IN PERSON: This is a dynamic five-week writing course designed to help participants explore the rich tapestry of their lives and discover the unique stories waiting to be told. Through a series of engaging exercises and discussions, students will uncover their hidden memories, embrace their vulnerability and develop a deeper connection with their personal narratives. • Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Texts will be provided as PDFs and emailed to students prior to classes. Students will be given in-class writing assignments with the expectation that they will further develop their work between classes and bring it to the next class for discussion. At-home writing development should take about 20 minutes.

Recommended text:

• Vivian Gornick, “The Situation and the Story” (9780374528584)

Shawna Ayoub, a Durham-based writer, practices and instructs classes focused on writing truth. Her teaching and writing are informed equally by identity and indoctrinated racial, gender-based and religious violence, and seek to break free from artificial constraints. A widely published writer (HuffPost and elsewhere), she has taught memoir courses in person and online for 15 years. Ayoub specializes in writing joyful or difficult stories using expressive writing techniques and prompts.

• 5 Mon, Apr 29 - Jun 3 (no class May 27), 9-10:30 a.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $85; Course ID: 3794

Writing a Legacy Letter

ONLINE: This four-session online course is designed to introduce the concept of legacy letters and to encourage participants to craft their own legacy documents. A legacy letter (also called an ethical will) is a written document that allows people to share their life lessons, express their values and transmit their blessings to future generations. A legacy letter is shorter than a memoir, typically just a few pages. Writing one is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for children, grandchildren and other loved ones. The course includes discussion and brief writing exercises to help participants examine their life histories, explore their values and capture important insights. The instructor will offer advice, encouragement and a model structure to help participants draft and complete their own legacy letters. • Facilitated discussion.

Jay Sherwin has practiced law, given away money for five different charitable foundations and served as a hospital chaplain. In 2019, he created the Life Reflections Project to educate people about legacy letters, ethical wills and other legacy documents. Jay has extensive experience facilitating online adult learning programs, and he has taught this course for OLLI programs nationwide.

• 4 Wed, May 1- 22, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $70; Course ID: 2350

Spring 2024 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, April 10, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

Back cover: A Coquerel's sifaka lemur enjoys a sunny morning in the Duke Lemur Center. Photograph by Jared Lazarus / Duke University / www.duke.edu © Duke University, all rights reserved