2024
CATALOG
LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE AT TUFTS UNIVERSITY
2024 Registration begins May 1, 2024 and runs through May 28, 2024.
SUMMER
COURSE
OSHER
JUNE
To our Tufts Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Community Members,
We hope you enjoy our Summer 2024 offerings—we have virtual and in-person courses covering Artificial Intelligence in Art to Magical Monarchs, and everything in between!
As always, our team is available to answer any questions via phone, email, Zoom, or in-person. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us!
We hope to see you, virtually or in-person, during the Summer season.
Your Tufts Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Team,
Callan B. Moody Associate Director
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Kathy Scanlon Program Administrator University College
Rebekah Plotkin Director, Professional and Custom Education University College
01
At A Glance 02 Course Descriptions & Instructor Bios 05 OLLI Events 21 Course Proposal Information 24 Course Registration and Tufts OLLI Policy Information 25
Table of Contents SUMMER 2024
All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time.
Leader Sessions Day and Time Dates Course Title
02 AT A GLANCE
At A Glance SUMMER 2024 Virtually on Zoom
“The Death of a Beautiful Woman”: Poe’s Dying Woman Tales Jared Pence 4 Monday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24 Ancient Egypt Through Travellers Eyes Hannah Male 4 Monday, 10am - 12pm 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24 Artificial Intelligence and Art Hugh Leeman 1 Wednesday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 6/5 Autism in 2024 Simone Dufresne 4 Thursday, 10am - 12pm 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27 Exploring Two Oscar Winning Classics From Milos Foreman Allan Elfant 2 Tuesday, 1pm - 4:30pm 6/18, 6/25 From Heist to Healing: Understanding and Addressing the Legacy of Stolen Art (Virtual) Callan B. Moody 4 Tuesday, 10am - 11am 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25 Government Reimagined: The Crucial Role It Plays and Your Contribution to Its Betterment Glenys D’Souza 4 Monday, 10am - 12pm 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24
Course Title Course Title Leader Leader Sessions Sessions Day and Time Day and Time Dates Dates 03 AT A GLANCE
in-person at tufts medford/somerVille Campus Information Literacy: Navigating Information in the Age of Fake News Lark Escobar 1 Thursday, 10am - 12pm 6/6 Lafcadio’s Adventures by André Gide (Virtual) Emese Soos 4 Thursday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27 Landscape Photography Eli Vega 4 Thursday, 10am - 12pm 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27 Pashmina Passion: Textiles from Indian Kashmir Lark Escobar 4 Tuesday, 10am - 12pm 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25 The Dismal Science - Understanding the Economic Mindset Eric Mankin 4 Wednesday, 10am - 12pm 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26 Beyond “Us vs. Them”: In-group bias, contact theory and the West Eastern Divan Orchestra Elke Jahns-Harms 1 Friday, 10am - 12pm 6/14 Magical Monarchs Elke Jahns-Harms 1 Friday, 10am - 12pm 6/7
Virtually on Zoom
04 AT A GLANCE Course Title Course Title Leader Leader Sessions Sessions Day and Time Day and Time Dates Dates in-person at BrooksBy Village in-person at BrookhaVen at lexington From Heist to Healing: Understanding and Addressing the Legacy of Stolen Art (In-Person) Callan B. Moody 2 Monday, 10am - 12pm 6/17, 6/24 Lafcadio’s Adventures by André Gide (In-Person) Emese Soos 4 Wednesday, 10am - 12pm 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26
Course Descriptions & Instructor Bios
Virtually on Zoom
“The Death of a Beautiful Woman”: Poe’s Dying Woman Tales
Jared Pence, Tufts Alum
Monday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24)
4 Sessions, Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
$100
Edgar Allan Poe famously wrote, “The death, then, of a beautiful woman is, unquestionably, the most poetical topic in the world.” In this course, we will explore some of the many tales Poe wrote about beautiful women who fall ill, die, and sometimes come back to life. In reading about dead and dying women, we will unpack what the stories reveal about ideals of femininity in the 1830s and 1840s, as well as how they can inform our modern understandings of beauty, death, gender, and horror. We will explore these topics and more as we read some of Poe’s most disturbing gothic tales including “Berenice,” “Morella,” “Ligeia,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “Eleonora,” and “The Oval Portrait.” Each week, we will read 1 or 2 short stories totaling about 20 pages. Links to electronic copies of all the stories will be provided.
Jared Pence received his Ph.D. in English literature from Tufts University in 2023. Dr. Jared Pence has B.A. and M.A. degrees from Brigham Young University and has taught college literature and writing courses for 10 years at Tufts, BYU, Emerson College, and Bentley University. Jared grew up in Utah and Iowa, and when he is not teaching, reading, and writing, he likes to run half marathons, cook Chinese food, and sing choral chamber music. He lives in Montreal, Canada and is trying to learn French. His doctoral dissertation on 19th-century American literature of the city focused in part on the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 05 SUMMER 2024
Virtually on Zoom
Ancient Egypt Through Travellers Eyes
Hannah Male, Tufts Alum
Monday, 10am - 12pm (6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24)
4 Sessions, Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
$100
“Ancient Egypt.” It evokes the pyramids at Giza and the Step pyramid at Saqqara (among other fabled sites). However, the modern appearance of these sites is quite different from their look in antiquity or even 50 years ago. Over four sessions, I will narrate excerpts from traveler’s accounts and guidebooks (17th - 20th century) in the public domain to Giza, Saqqara, and other sites on the modern traveler’s bucket list. I will also dive into the Eurocentric/imperialist/colonial background that undergirded the development of Egypt’s modern tourist industry.
Hannah Male, history and archaeology buff, is a 2019 graduate of Tufts History and Museum Studies MA program. She has always had a fascination with the ancient world and ancient Egypt in particular (this only increased after she was able to visit selected Egyptian sites in 2011 as an undergraduate student). Ultimately she hopes to become a curator of Egyptian and/or Near Eastern antiquities. She most recently taught ‘Sites in Depth’ for Tufts OLLI in Winter 2023.
06 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
Artificial Intelligence and Art
Hugh Leeman, Outside Instructor
Wednesday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (6/5)
1 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
$25
In this one-time lecture, we will explore the backstory that brought society Artificial Intelligence at the confluence of art, contemporary artists’ use of this technology in their practices, and we will then discuss the ethical implications.
Hugh Leeman is an artist and lecturer teaching art history in English and Spanish. He lectures regularly at Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, and in Spanish at Colorado State University. His lectures focus on the manifestation of social power structures and the spiritual realm in pre-modern art and the future of images’ ability to re-engineer social constructs. Leeman’s social practice has been exhibited at the Museum of Mexico City. His first social art project focused on a five-year collaborative project with the inner city’s homeless, using technology to create micro selfempowerment business platforms for homeless individuals. More recently, Leeman cofounded aetatribes.org.
07 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
Autism in 2024
Simone Dufresne, Tufts Graduate Student
Thursday, 10am - 12pm (6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27) 4 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
According to the CDC, 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States. Chances are, if you do not already know an autistic person, you will likely meet someone on the spectrum in the future. This course will explore the historical and current understanding of autism, demonstrate how autism impacts an individual and their family, and introduce course members to best practices for supporting autistic people in their own lives. Through lecture, discussion, and guest speakers, the goal of this course is to promote awareness, acceptance, and understanding of the autism community for those who may be less familiar with this world. Study group members do not need to have prior knowledge of or experience with autism, but those who do are also welcome! People who have found this course to be helpful have included grandparents of autistic children, former teachers, and interested community members. We take a strengths-based, pro-neurodiversity approach and draw heavily from the work and perspectives of autistic scholars and advocates. $100
Simone Dufresne is a soon-to-be PhD graduate of the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study & Human Development at Tufts University. She has been working professionally in the autism field for almost 15 years supporting youth and families. She cares deeply about disability issues and her work is informed by empirical research and perspectives of multiple stakeholders, most importantly autistic people themselves. For this course, Simone will draw on the perspectives of her brother, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, her parents, and her own experience as a sibling, professional, and researcher.
08 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
Exploring Two Oscar Winning Classics From Milos Foreman
Allan Elfant, OLLI Member
Tuesday, 1pm - 4:30pm (6/18, 6/25)
2 Sessions, Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
$50
Milos Forman, the well-known Czech-American film director, won two Academy Awards, one for One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and the other for Amadeus. We will view and discuss these two impressive films. Optional readings will be distributed via the internet. Classes will be between 3-4 hours.
Allan Elfant has a B.A. in psychology from Brooklyn College and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from New York University. He was in clinical practice for over 40 years and held teaching positions at several universities. He has led over 200 presentations at national and regional professional conferences and meetings, and has led over two dozen study groups for our OLLI on various cinematic, psychological and philosophical themes. Many of these study groups have been film classes.
09 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
From Heist to Healing: Understanding and Addressing the Legacy of Stolen Art (Virtual)
Callan B. Moody, Tufts Staff
Tuesday, 10am - 11am (6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25)
4 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
$50
Embark on a captivating exploration of art repatriation and restitution in our course, “From Heist to Healing: Understanding and Addressing the Legacy of Stolen Art.”
Through an interdisciplinary approach, we will dissect the historical contexts and legal frameworks that shape the narratives of looted artworks. By examining real-life cases, students will unravel the stories behind these lost masterpieces, exploring the impact of cultural heritage theft on both the countries of origin and the museums that house these contested treasures.
Callan B. Moody, having always had an interest and passion for art history and museums since watching her first Indiana Jones film in 3rd grade, went on to study art history and museum studies with a minor in archaeology at Radford University. She then worked at both the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, VA, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach, VA before completing her Masters in Arts Administration at Boston University. While working on her Masters, Callan began her career in higher education, working at Boston University and Berklee College of Music before joining Tufts and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in 2022.
10 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
Government Reimagined: The Crucial Role It Plays and Your Contribution to Its Betterment
Glenys D’Souza, Tufts Graduate Student
Monday, 10am - 12pm (6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24)
4 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
$100
This course is designed for curious minds seeking to understand the profound impact of government on society and eager to contribute meaningfully to its evolution. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a budding policymaker, or a professional looking to deepen your civic engagement, “Government Reimagined” is your gateway to informed and empowered participation.
• Unlock Your Civic Potential: Discover how your actions can directly contribute to the improvement of government and society.
• Gain Practical Skills: Acquire practical skills in navigating public policy, engaging in advocacy, and conceptualizing innovative solutions.
• Inspiration for Positive Change: Be inspired by real-world examples, thoughtprovoking readings, and engaging discussions that challenge you to reimagine the possibilities for positive change.
• Connect with Like-Minded Individuals: Join a community of learners passionate about civic responsibility and the betterment of governance.
Glenys D’Souza, currently pursuing a masters in Law and Diplomacy, is expected to graduate in May 2024. With a diverse background spanning international affairs, project management, and education, she is eager to guide a group discussion on the crucial need for civic participation in governance. In her previous roles, she has worked on different projects of the United Nations. She has lived and studied in four countries India, Lebanon, France and the US—and is now working on her masters thesis on Juvenile Justice.
11 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
Information Literacy: Navigating Information in the Age of Fake News
Lark Escobar, Tufts Alum
Thursday, 10am - 12pm (6/6)
1 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
This course teaches participants how to analyze sources to determine the credibility of information in print media, TV, social media, and beyond. The session will include a lecture and a Q & A session to help participants refine their information evaluation skills. $25
Lark Escobar is both an international educator and student scholar, interested in genocide prevention, cultural memory, religious heritage, human rights, international law, terrorism studies, and human security in MENA, Central Asia, and South Asia. She has taught in seven countries in higher education contexts.
12 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
Lafcadio’s Adventures by André Gide (Virtual)
Emese Soos, OLLI Member, Retired Tufts Faculty
Thursday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27)
4 Sessions, Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
In this age of conspiracy theories, why not read André Gide’s playful, brilliantly satirical tale, published in 1914 in France as Les Caves du Vatican, about con men conspiring to fleece the faithful in order to prevent the replacement of the real Pope by a fake Pope?
The web of lies catches aristocrats, wastrels, and the gullible, according to their diverse motivations. Beautiful, amoral Lafcadio, perhaps one of the most original characters in modern fiction, moves among them and exploits the shenanigans for his own purposes. In each session we will discuss about 75 pages of the novel. The recommended edition is the Vintage; Reprint edition of Lafcadio’s Adventures by André Gide, available on Amazon.
Required material: André Gide, Lafcadio’s Adventures: A Novel; https://www.amazon. com/Lafcadios-Adventures-Novel-Andre-Gide/dp/0375713387, $16.00 $100
Emese Soos earned a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a Ph.D. in French from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. All aspects of French culture delight her, especially the interplay of arts during the Belle Epoque, as well as humor and satire. She retired in 2015 after over thirty years of teaching and administration at Tufts.
13 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
Landscape Photography
Eli Vega, Outside Instructor
Thursday, 10am - 12pm (6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27)
4 Sessions, Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
$100
In this highly interactive course, applicable to both smartphone and digital camera users, you will learn about landscape composition, exposure, lenses, landscape equipment and accessories, depth-of-field, lighting, time and timing, photographing different seasons, dealing with flare, shooting in snow, photo editing and HDR, and more.
Eli Vega is a highly-published and award-winning photographer and author. He has written two books on the subject of photography. He has taught photography for thirty years, including field workshops in Rocky Mountain National Park, and for OLLI throughout the country since 2012. He is a certified facilitator and makes his classes casual, engaging, and fun. He has made presentations to camera and art groups for twenty years and has served as a judge for two national photography competitions. Having studied art for three years, Eli takes an artistic approach to photography, emphasizing the creative aesthetics side of photography.
14 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
Pashmina Passion: Textiles from Indian Kashmir
Lark Escobar, Tufts Alum
Tuesday, 10am - 12pm (6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25)
4 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
$100
This course will explore the rich traditions of the Kashmiri cottage pashmina industry including the origin of the art and current trends. Each lecture will include an opportunity for Q&A. Some lectures will include short video clips from Kashmir that illustrate each step of the pashmina production process. Group discussion will focus on the economic implications of factory-made pashminas and the future of the pashmina cottage industry.
Lark Escobar is both an international educator and student scholar, interested in genocide prevention, cultural memory, religious heritage, human rights, international law, terrorism studies, and human security in MENA, Central Asia, and South Asia. She has taught in seven countries in higher education contexts.
15 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Virtually on Zoom
The Dismal Science - Understanding the Economic Mindset
Eric Mankin, OLLI Member
Wednesday, 10am - 12pm (5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26)
4 Sessions, Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
$100
If you have ever wondered about economics as a way of thinking, this study group might be for you. I especially welcome economic beginners. We will use a few economic principles to explore real-world issues that lend themselves to an economic perspective. A few examples: What’s happened to jobs and work during and after the pandemic, and why? Are we better off today than we were a decade ago, and why? The study group will be conducted seminar style, and in the spirit of inquiry and exploration rather than advocacy. There will be short pre-readings before each session.
Eric Mankin, after getting his PhD in business economics back in the mid 1980s, ran far from the academy and had a career in management consulting for about 20 years, which gave him a lot of exposure to the ways in which successful businesses actually ran. In the next twenty years, however, Eric spent a great deal of his time in executive education. He often uses his economics training to try to understand the world. This is his first time leading a study group at Osher, but he has lectured for various executive and student groups.
16 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
in-person at tufts medford/somerVille Campus
Beyond “Us vs. Them”: In-group bias, contact theory and the West Eastern Divan Orchestra
Elke Jahns-Harms, Tufts Faculty Member
Friday, 10am - 12pm (6/14)
1 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
Even those of us who try to be open-minded often judge people differently based on the groups we each fall into: red state or blue, Black or White, Israeli or Palestinian. At the same time, many of us wish we could get beyond these differences: according to a recent poll, 87% of Americans are tired of how politically and culturally divided we are. How can the idea of in-group bias help us understand and change our own thinking? Do interactions with the “other” really help, and if so, under what conditions? We’ll draw on the fields of sociology and conflict resolution as we talk about a world-famous orchestra composed of young Arab and Israeli musicians trying to bridge their divides through music. This class is a repeat from last summer. $25
Elke Jahns-Harms holds a PhD in International Relations, a Master’s in Music, and a B.A. in Geology and Environmental Science. She currently teaches International Development Aid at The Fletcher School, and previously taught Music and Social Change at the New England Conservatory. A professional flutist, she has found music to be a crucial means of connecting with people wherever she goes, and her flutes are among the first items she packs on her travels. Her courses often bring together her life-long interests in music, poverty alleviation, social justice, and peacebuilding. She has led dozens of study groups for OLLI and is delighted to be back! Additionally, she and her husband began raising monarch butterflies a few years ago and have coached friends and neighbors to raise them as well. They continue to be moved and amazed at how people react to these lovely creatures. She has presented her talk on monarchs for local conservation organizations, garden clubs, public libraries, and continuing ed programs.
17 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
in-person at tufts medford/somerVille Campus
Magical Monarchs
Elke Jahns-Harms, Tufts Faculty
Friday, 10am - 12pm (6/7)
1 Sessions, Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
$25
Exquisite and fragile, yet strong enough to migrate thousands of miles, monarch butterflies have captured our imaginations with their beauty and complexity. Elke and her husband Garth have gotten to know these magical creatures well while raising and releasing over two hundred butterflies. What makes these butterflies so special? How can we help them? And what happens when some tough urban teens encounter a butterfly raised by their classmates? In this lively presentation, Elke will discuss facts and myths about monarchs and share heartwarming stories and captivating photos from their experiences. She can also share tips for those who’d like to attract butterflies to their gardens or try raising some at home. Elke has given this presentation a number of times for OLLI, most recently in June 2022.
Elke Jahns-Harms holds a PhD in International Relations, a Master’s in Music, and a B.A. in Geology and Environmental Science. She currently teaches International Development Aid at The Fletcher School, and previously taught Music and Social Change at the New England Conservatory. A professional flutist, she has found music to be a crucial means of connecting with people wherever she goes, and her flutes are among the first items she packs on her travels. Her courses often bring together her life-long interests in music, poverty alleviation, social justice, and peacebuilding. She has led dozens of study groups for OLLI and is delighted to be back! Additionally, she and her husband began raising monarch butterflies a few years ago and have coached friends and neighbors to raise them as well. They continue to be moved and amazed at how people react to these lovely creatures. She has presented her talk on monarchs for local conservation organizations, garden clubs, public libraries, and continuing ed programs.
18 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
in-person at BrooksBy Village
From Heist to Healing: Understanding and Addressing the Legacy of Stolen Art (In-Person)
Callan B. Moody, Tufts Staff
Monday, 10am - 12pm (6/17, 6/24)
2 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
$50
Embark on a captivating exploration of art repatriation and restitution in our course, “From Heist to Healing: Understanding and Addressing the Legacy of Stolen Art.”
Through an interdisciplinary approach, we will dissect the historical contexts and legal frameworks that shape the narratives of looted artworks. By examining real-life cases, students will unravel the stories behind these lost masterpieces, exploring the impact of cultural heritage theft on both the countries of origin and the museums that house these contested treasures.
Callan B. Moody, having always had an interest and passion for art history and museums since watching her first Indiana Jones film in 3rd grade, went on to study art history and museum studies with a minor in archaeology at Radford University. She then worked at both the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, VA, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach, VA before completing her Masters in Arts Administration at Boston University. While working on her Masters, Callan began her career in higher education, working at Boston University and Berklee College of Music before joining Tufts and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in 2022.
19 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
in-person at BrookhaVen at lexington
Lafcadio’s Adventures by André Gide (In-Person)
Emese Soos, OLLI Member, Retired Tufts Faculty
Wednesday, 10am - 12pm (5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26)
4 Sessions, Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
In this age of conspiracy theories, why not read André Gide’s playful, brilliantly satirical tale, published in 1914 in France as Les Caves du Vatican, about con men conspiring to fleece the faithful in order to prevent the replacement of the real Pope by a fake Pope? The web of lies catches aristocrats, wastrels, and the gullible, according to their diverse motivations. Beautiful, amoral Lafcadio, perhaps one of the most original characters in modern fiction, moves among them and exploits the shenanigans for his own purposes. In each session we will discuss about 75 pages of the novel. The recommended edition is the Vintage; Reprint edition of Lafcadio’s Adventures by André Gide, available on Amazon.
Required material: André Gide, Lafcadio’s Adventures: A Novel; https://www.amazon. com/Lafcadios-Adventures-Novel-Andre-Gide/dp/0375713387, $16.00 $100
Emese Soos earned a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a Ph.D. in French from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. All aspects of French culture delight her, especially the interplay of arts during the Belle Epoque, as well as humor and satire. She retired in 2015 after over thirty years of teaching and administration at Tufts.
20 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SUMMER 2024
OLLI Events
Additional events and full event details will be shared with current Tufts OLLI members via our weekly digest and on our website, but below are a few to keep an eye out for as we head into our Summer 2024 Term!
In addition to events listed, Tufts OLLI members are invited to attend select lectures and special events at our partner, Brookhaven at Lexington, and special events hosted by Tufts University. Full details about these will also be shared in our weekly digest and monthly newsletters.
Community Dine Arounds
Organized by Tufts OLLI members for Tufts OLLI members, our Community Dine Arounds return this spring! Join one of our upcoming meals for good food and even better company.
• Thursday, April 11 – Beijing in Lexington, MA
• Monday, May 20 – Gaetano’s in Stoneham, MA
Full event details and the link to RSVP are available to current members in the Tufts OLLI Weekly Digest.
21 EVENTS
Thursday, May 23, 10am - 12pm
In-Person at Tufts
Please join your fellow OLLI members, this year’s study group leaders, and the OLLI staff for an in-person gathering to celebrate the end of the spring term. Light food and drinks will be provided.
Full event details and the link to RSVP are available to current members in the Tufts OLLI Weekly Digest.
Save the Date: Tufts OLLI Annual Meeting
June 2024
Virtually via Zoom and In-Person on Tufts Medford/Somerville Campus
We’ll come together in June to review the 2022–2023 membership year and learn about plans for the 2023–2024 year!
22 EVENTS
OLLI at Night: The Secret Life of Jokes with David Misch
Wednesday, June 12, 7pm - 8:30pm ET on Zoom
The well-known comedian George Orwell said, “The aim of a joke is not to degrade the human being but to remind him he’s already degraded.” Okay, that’s one explanation. But gagsters like Sigmund Freud, Immanuel Kant and Thomas Hobbes all had theories about humor, which means jokes are Really Important, not just a way to make someone snort up their milk. I like to call jokes “comedy in miniature.” (I like to call my cat “No! Not on the rug!”, but that tends to be situational.) Seen in a certain way – the way I see it – comedy uses the same basic components as all art forms: tension-and-resolution, pattern recognition, misdirection and surprise. For jokes, the big difference is they’re small, which makes them easier to pull apart, to see what makes them tick and why they make us laugh. Topics covered in this multimedia presentation include the Rule of 3 (Why are things funnier in threes? Really, why? I mean, why?); Is humor inherently hostile?; How jokes are related to Japanese haiku poetry; Why jokes make you smarter; Dirty jokes that aren’t dirty; and The Official Funniest Joke In The World.
About our presenter: Among David Misch’s TV and movie credits are the Emmynominated “Mork & Mindy,” the Emmy-losing “Duckman,” the Emmy-engorged “Saturday Night Live,” and the Emmy-ineligible “The Muppets Take Manhattan.” He’s the author of “Funny: The Book” and “A Beginner’s Guide To Corruption,” and is also a playwright, songwriter, blogger, teacher and recovered stand-up comic, and has spoken at Yale, Columbia, the Smithsonian, Oxford, CinestudioParis, University of Sydney (Australia), VIEW Cinema Conference (Torino, Italy), Raindance Film Festival (London), Austin Film Festival, American Film Institute, Disney, Sony, Lucasfilm, Midwest Popular Culture Association, USC and UCLA.
Full event details and the link to RSVP are available to current members in the Tufts OLLI Weekly Digest.
23 EVENTS
Do you have an idea for a course you would like to see?
Offer a Tufts OLLI Course!
Have you recently read a new book that you would like to discuss with others? Or traveled to a new destination that inspired you to learn more about the culture and history of that location? Share those interests and passions with Tufts OLLI members by leading a course! Our members enjoy learning about topics in history, literature, current events, film, STEM — the list goes on!
Don’t worry if you’ve never led a course before: our Curriculum Committee will happily talk you through the process or help you formulate your ideas, so your course will be as enjoyable an experience for you as it will be for the participants. The Tufts OLLI office provides training and materials for new course instructors, and support for courses taking place virtually on zoom or in-person. Member instructors are eligible for a free course as a thank you for being a course instructor.
We are currently looking for proposals for all terms in our 2024–2025 membership year. The submission deadline and term dates and modalities can be found below, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Tufts OLLI office at osherlli@tufts.edu or the Tufts OLLI Curriculum Committee at oshercurriculumcommittee@tufts.edu.
Visit https://universitycollege.tufts.edu/lifelong-learning/ osherlli/propose_a_course to propose a course today!
Term
Fall 2024
Winter 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Term Dates
September 9, 2024 to November 1, 2024
January 13, 2025 to February 10, 2025
March 17, 2025 to
May 9, 2025
May 27, 2025 to
June 23, 2025
Modalities Offered for Courses
In-Person and Virtually on Zoom
Virtually on Zoom Only
In-Person and Virtually on Zoom
In-Person and Virtually on Zoom
Course Proposal Submission Deadline
May 5, 2024
October 6, 2024
November 10, 2024
March 9, 2025
COURSE PROPOSALS 24