OLLI at Tufts Summer 2025 Catalog by Tufts University College

Summer 2025 Course Catalog

May – June 2025

Course registration begins April 22, 2025 and runs through May 22, 2025.

Membership is required to register for courses.

April 2025

To our Tufts Osher

Lifelong Learning Institute

Community Members,

We can’t believe we’re nearing the end of another membership year - thank you for being a part of our community these last few months! We’re delighted to have this year’s Summer courses led by many of our own Tufts OLLI members, Tufts graduate students, faculty, and alumni, as well as new and returning outside instructors. Our wonderful line-up of in-person and Zoom courses provide great opportunities to flex your creative writing muscles, learn about fractal geometry in art and science, or learn about Chat GPT and AI.

We want to thank our Curriculum Committee and all of our members who volunteer to be Study Group Leaders and Classroom Assistants who make our Summer 2025 term possible. We could not do it without you!

Finally, we’re excited to share that beginning this summer term, we are now offering additional zoom courses through Osher Online. These programs will allow our Tufts OLLI members to take classes on a wider variety of topics with an even more diverse pool of instructors and join other OLLI members from across the country! More information about this new partnership and the Summer courses we’re offering with Osher Online can be found on page 22.

Please note that Tufts and the Osher Office will be closed on the following dates leading up to and during our Summer 2025 term:

• April 21: Patriots’ Day

• May 26: Memorial Day

• June 19: Juneteenth

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, and we look forward to seeing you all in our Summer term!

Your Tufts Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Team,

Callan B. Moody Associate Director Osher

Lifelong Learning Institute

Kathy Scanlon Program Administrator University College

AT A GLANCE

Virtually on Zoom

Course Title

Leader

Sessions

Beginning Digital Photography Eli Vega 3

Can Machines Think?

ChatGPT, Modern AI and the Turing Test

Tim Snow 4

and Time Dates

Monday, 10am - 12pm 6/2, 6/9, 6/16

Monday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23

Danger, Suspense, and Deception: The Best of Alfred Hitchcock Jay Sherwin 4

Guided Meditation Yolanta Kovalko 6

How to Use ChatGPT

Preethi Fernando 1

Lingua, Loshen, Lišana: Jewish Languages Around the World Julia Appel 4

Of Spirits, Of Magicks, and an Interior Life

Publish Your Own Book

Revd Edward J. Ingebretsen, PhD 4

Preethi Fernando 1

The “Reel” Vietnam L. Jon Grogan 4

Monday, 1:30pm - 3pm 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23

Monday, 5pm - 6pm 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 7/7, 7/14

Tuesday, 2pm - 4pm 5/27

Tuesday, 10am - 12pm 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17

Wednesday, 10am - 12pm 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18

Wednesday, 2pm - 4pm 5/28

Thursday, 10am - 12pm 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26

In-person at Tufts Medford/Somerville Campus

Course Title

Memoir Writing: What I Learned Writing the Story of a World Famous Bull (InPerson at Tufts)

The Beauty of Fractal Geometry in Art and Science (No Math Expertise Required!)

and Time

Carla Panciera 1 Wednesday, 10am - 12pm 6/4

Dates

Peggy Beauregard 1 Wednesday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 6/11

Global Mosaic: Exploring Decorative Tiles from Around the World Callan B. Moody 2 Tuesday, 10am - 12pm 6/3, 6/10

Science Fiction Before Science Fiction

Jonathan Schaffer 5 Monday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30

In-person at Brooksby Village

Course Title

Memoir Writing: What I Learned Writing the Story of a World Famous Bull (InPerson at Brooksby Village)

and Time

Carla Panciera 1 Monday, 10am - 12pm 6/2

Dates

Mind Of A Killer John Olszewski 2 Monday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 6/2, 6/9

In-person at Brookhaven at Lexington

Course Title

Aristotle’s Ethics

and Time

Dates

Joyce Carpenter 4 Wednesday, 10am - 12pm 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18

Mind Of A Killer John Olszewski 2 Wednesday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 5/28, 6/4

Course Title Leader

100 Years of Magic: The Disney Legacy and Influence

Architectural Oddities: An OffThe-BeatenPath Look at Unconventional Architecture

Behind Those Baby Blues: The Films of Paul Newman

Demystifying Energy Security

Enjoying the Past and Present New York City: A History of Recreation in the Big Apple

History of Beer

Public Health Across the Lifespan

Sessions

Maria Massad 6

Thursday, 7pm - 8:30pm

7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14

Eleanor Schrader 6

Thursday, 1pm - 2:30pm 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14

Arnold Blumberg, PhD 6

Beth HillSkinner 6

Tuesday, 3pm - 4:30pm 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12

Wednesday, 1pm - 2:30pm

7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13

Adam Kocurek 6

Wednesday, 11am - 12:30pm 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13

Karl Brown, PhD 6

Michelle Boyd, MPH 6

Stories of Adventure: The Norse Sagas Vic Peterson 6

The Economics of Public Policy Issues

The Rehnquist Court, 1986-2005: Moves Toward Small Federal Government

Geof Woglom, PhD 6

Tuesday, 7pm - 8:30pm

Wednesday, 5pm - 6:30pm

7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12

7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13

Wednesday, 3pm - 4:30pm 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20

Tuesday, 1pm - 2:30pm

7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12

Lauren Andersen, JD 6

Monday, 11am - 12:30pm 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11, 8/18

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS & INSTRUCTOR BIOS

Virtually on Zoom

Beginning Digital Photography

Eli Vega, Outside Instructor

Monday, 10am - 12pm (6/2, 6/9, 6/16)

3 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

In this highly interactive course, you will learn the basics—like those dials on your camera; those mysterious menu items; composition; f/stops, shutter speeds, and the exposure meter and how they all work together; ISO and white balance; different types of lenses; the #1 solution to the #1 problem in photography; and more! $75

Eli Vega

Eli Vega is a highly-published, award-winning photographer and author. He has published two books on photography. He has taught photography for thirty years, including field workshops in Rocky Mountain National Park, and classes for OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) throughout the country. He is a certified facilitator and makes his classes and workshops 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 aesthetics side of photography.

Virtually on Zoom

Can Machines Think? ChatGPT, Modern AI and the Turing Test

Tim Snow, OLLI Member

Monday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23)

4 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

Some researchers claim that ChatGPT-4, a recently developed AI chatbot, has passed the Turing Test, a test designed to answer the question “can machines think?” In this course, we’ll explore what this means: whether machines can, or ever will, “think” and in what sense. We’ll examine this by looking at the way modern AI systems work and at the Turing Test and objections to it from a philosophical perspective. At the end of the course, we’ll also take a look at the potential benefits and dangers of machines becoming super-intelligent. Short readings and videos will be provided. Note: this class is a repeat of the course taught in Spring 2025. $100

Tim Snow

Tim Snow earned a Ph.D. in philosophy in 1992, then left academia for the computer industry where he spent the next 25 years before retiring in 2018. His working life was bookended by two projects in AI, starting with writing an expert system and ending up working on IBM’s Watson (the artificial intelligence that beat Jeopardy). After retirement, he has returned to reading and thinking about philosophy as well as other topics. Tim previously led the OLLI study group “Philosophers Look At Artificial Intelligence” with Michael Werner.

Virtually on Zoom

Danger, Suspense, and Deception: The Best of Alfred Hitchcock

Jay Sherwin, Outside Instructor

Monday, 1:30pm - 3pm (6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23)

4 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

$75

In his legendary career as a director, Alfred Hitchcock created dense, suspenseful films filled with flawed heroes, charming villains, and moral ambiguity. In this four-week online course, we’ll consider some of Hitchcock’s very best films, focusing on two films each week that share a common theme. Students should watch the films on their own; in class, we’ll look at brief film clips and discuss key elements. Whether you’ve enjoyed Hitchcock films for many years or you’re just discovering them, this is a chance to go deeper into the mind of a brilliant, complicated man and the surprising, confounding, entertaining world he created on film.

The films we’ll discuss are:

Week 1: Good and Bad Alter Egos

• Shadow of a Doubt

• Strangers on a Train

Week 2: Victims of Circumstance

• The 39 Steps

• North by Northwest

Week 3: “Bad Girls” and Redeeming Heroes

• Notorious

• Marnie

Week 4: The Trouble with Mothers

• Notorious

• Marnie

• Psycho

Jay Sherwin

Jay Sherwin is a writer and consultant who has been watching, studying and enjoying Hitchcock films for decades. He created a walking tour of Alfred Hitchcock’s San Francisco that attracts Hitchcock fans from around the world, and he loves to share his Hitchcock obsession with fellow film lovers everywhere. He has taught this online course for OLLI programs nationwide.

Virtually on Zoom

Guided Meditation

Yolanta Kovalko, Outside Instructor

Monday, 5pm - 6pm (6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 7/7, 7/14)

6 Sessions, Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture

$75

In this course the study group leader will introduce participants to Yoga Nidra, a form of meditation and transformation grounded in the wide and deep field of yogic tradition. Students will be guided through what Yoga Nidra teaches are the five levels of being: Physical Body, Energy Body, Emotional Body, Mental Body, and Spiritual Body. In the process, they will have the opportunity to experience becoming more aware and to explore the deepest place within themselves, their true Self. Participants will be encouraged to find a place to recline or lay down while participating in the course.

Yolanta Kovalko

Yolanta Kovalko is a certified yoga teacher and meditation practitioner who owns and teaches at her studio, Balls Square Yoga in Somerville. She has been practicing yoga for the last 15 years. She fell in love with yoga because of the pleasure it gave her and the serenity she found in the practice. She enjoys working with mature students and offers her expertise and specialization to students who may need more time, attention and assistance with their practice. She strives to create safe, comfortable and relaxing environment for all her students. She is a proud mother, wife, grandmother, and a pet mommy. Yolanta has led previous study groups, most recently Adaptive Yoga & Relaxation.

Virtually on Zoom

How to Use ChatGPT

Preethi Fernando, Tufts Alum

Tuesday, 2pm - 4pm (5/27)

1 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

$25

Be bold. Be artificially intelligent. Topics covered in this course include: what is ChatGPT, how to give prompts to get the best results, writing resumés with ChatGPT’s help, summarizing documents, writing e-mails, uploading photos, developing video content, and more. This short and simple two-hour class helps you to determine ChatGPT uses—both at work and in your personal life. This is NOT a technical, ethics AI session. It’s a simple, practical class on how ChatGPT AI could help someone to improve their productivity and practice better time management. This course is intended for personal enrichment and professional development.

Preethi

Fernando

Preethi Fernando is the author of 15 books and the winner of Stephen King’s Haven Foundation Award. She is also a recipient of the Carnegie Fund for Authors, New York. Preethi’s titles include “17 Women Who Shook the World,” and “You Got This.” She speaks at conferences and offers consulting services. Visit preethifernando.com

Virtually on Zoom

Lingua, Loshen, Lišana: Jewish Languages Around the World

Julia Appel, Tufts Alum

Tuesday, 10am - 12pm (5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17)

4 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

$100

What does it mean to speak a Jewish language? What’s Jewish? What’s a language? In this course, discover the fascinating and diverse world of Jewish languages, and discuss their political, sociological, and linguistic underpinnings. We’ll cover Jewish languages from Yiddish to Juhuri, and even the different usages of Jewish English in the United States today. Today, most Jewish languages are extinct or endangered. We’ll talk about revitalization efforts, and the different roles that each of these languages plays in Jewish life today. Join us to explore the past, present, and future of talking Jewish.

Julia Appel

Julia Appel is a recent graduate from Tufts, where she studied International Relations. She taught a previous OLLI course on the wonderful diversity of Englishes around the world. This course on Jewish languages combines her interests in sociolinguistics and Judaic studies, which she developed during time spent in Israel, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. In her free time, she likes to knit, read, and wander around Boston.

Virtually on Zoom

Of Spirits, Of Magicks, and an Interior Life

Revd Edward J. Ingebretsen, PhD, Outside Instructor

Wednesday, 10am - 12pm (5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18)

4 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

$100

Of Spirits, Of Magicks, and an Interior Life is a four-part exploration of magical consciousness, spiritualities, and the unseen currents that shape individual lives. This series considers how ancient powers linger beneath modern habits and beliefs, how suppressed knowings persist as gestures, rituals, and quiet intuitions. We begin with Magic Jesus: Miracles, Faith, and the Untamed Divine, recovering the raw, miracleworking power of Jesus, historically validated in the Christian Bible, and move through Ancient Rites, Modern Chains, tracing how institutions have policed, silenced, and controlled magick across time. From there, we uncover The Powers in Daily Life, the protective acts and subtle wards we perform without thinking, and expand into Magical Consciousness: Beyond the Veil of the Rational, exploring how awareness itself becomes an active, enspirited practice. Finally, we conclude with Living Magick: Reclaiming the Unseen, offering ways to integrate these powers into daily rhythms, restoring a sense of connection, protection, and meaning that has never fully disappeared.

Edward J. Ingebretsen, PhD

Professor Edward J. Ingebretsen holds advance degrees in Theology and Ethics (JSTB 1982) and a Doctorate in American Studies (Duke 1986). His publications (books, journals) consider the intersection of gender, race, theology, and popular cultures. He concentrates in non-human ethics and American social history.

Virtually on Zoom

Publish Your Own Book

Preethi Fernando, Tufts Alum

Wednesday, 2pm - 4pm (5/28)

1 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

Make your dream of publishing your own book come true. Become a published author and check off that item on your bucket list. Publish a children’s book, a how-to book, a memoir, art book, a cook book, or just about any type of book. (This is not a writing class.) If you are thinking about publishing a book or simply curious, this class is for you. I have published 15 books and want to show you how to become a published author. Watch this video to get a sneak peek: https://youtu.be/PdtTU9Hyh08

Preethi Fernando

Virtually on Zoom

The “Reel” Vietnam

L. Jon Grogan, Tufts Alum

Thursday, 10am - 12pm (5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26)

4 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

$100

The U.S. military has been involved in over 100 campaigns, many of which have been dramatized in film. The Second Indochina War, known in the United States simply as the Vietnam War, lasted from 1955 to 1975. Using short clips from selected films and television shows, this course will examine how Hollywood’s treatment of the war and its participants changed over time, reflecting America’s gradual disillusionment with a conflict nearly nine thousand miles from its shores.

L. Jon Grogan

L. Jon Grogan has a BA in Political Science from Tufts, an MA in Public History from the University of San Diego, and a PhD in American History from Loyola University, Chicago. He is also a retired Marine Corps officer. His Osher portfolio includes classes in American, African, and military history.

In-person at Tufts Medford/Somerville Campus

Memoir Writing: What I Learned Writing the Story of a World Famous Bull (In-Person at Tufts)

Carla Panciera, Outside Instructor

Wednesday, 10am - 12pm (6/4)

1 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

$25

Aldo Panciera had a farm, and on that farm he had a bull. Both became celebrities in the world of dairy farming. They were even featured in Esquire Magazine! Carla Panciera, Aldo’s daughter, worked on the farm in Westerly as a teenager in the 1970’s and traveled with her dad to local and regional fairs. In this slide show presentation/discussion we’ll hear how she came to write and publish Barnflower, a memoir about the famous bull and her father. You’ll get advice on how you, too, might commit your family’s story to paper and learn about a vanishing piece of New England history.

Carla Panciera

Carla Panciera’s collection of short stories, Bewildered, received AWP’s 2013 Grace Paley Short Fiction Award. She has also published two collections of poetry: One of the Cimalores (Cider Press Book Award) and No Day, No Dusk, No Love (Bordighera Poetry Award). A third collection is forthcoming in November 2025 from Bordighera Press. Her work has appeared in several journals including Poetry, The New England Review, Nimrod, Painted Bride, and Carolina Quarterly. A recipient of a 2022 Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant in creative nonfiction, Panciera’s newest book is Barnflower: A Rhode Island Farm Memoir (Loom Press, 2023).

In-person at Tufts Medford/Somerville Campus

The Beauty of Fractal Geometry in Art and Science (No Math Expertise Required!)

Peggy Beauregard, Outside Instructor

Wednesday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (6/11)

1 Sessions, Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture

$25

This glimpse of fractal geometry explores where the beauty of art, science and nature intersect with modern mathematics. Not only are fractal images visually stunning, they also have applications to the complexity of a coastline, the structure of lightning, and the intricacy of the circulatory system. We will explore examples of fractals in art and architecture, as well as their applications to modern engineering and medicine. This presentation requires NO mathematical knowledge but you will leave with a new, joyful lens through which to view the world.

Peggy Beauregard

Peggy Beauregard (BFA, Printmaking, Hartford Art School, MS Applied Mathematics, Rutgers U) is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at University of Hartford in CT. She has taught courses in mathematics for elementary teachers, math for non-stem and arts students (discrete topics, finance), precalculus and calculus. She co-created and teaches the interdisciplinary course “Symmetry and Harmony: Mathematics in Art and Music,” which includes applications of fractals, tessellations, Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Ratio. Before teaching at the university level, Peggy taught art and math in inner city and suburban schools. She speaks regularly at national conferences, mostly to audiences of teachers and for the President’s College (lifelong learning program) at the University of Hartford. Peggy loves combining art and math to teach creative lessons that reach the diverse community of students in her classroom.

In-person at Tufts Medford/Somerville Campus

Global Mosaic: Exploring Decorative

Callan B. Moody, Tufts Staff Member

Tiles from Around the World

$50

Tuesday, 10am - 12pm (6/3, 6/10)

2 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

In “Global Mosaic: Exploring Decorative Tiles from Around the World,” students will explore the fascinating world of tile artistry across cultures and eras. From the ornate ceramic tiles of Islamic architecture to the hand-painted majolica of Italy, this course uncovers the techniques and traditions that have shaped decorative tilework around the globe. Students will gain insights into the cultural and architectural significance of tiles while appreciating the skill and creativity involved in their production. Whether you’re a designer, an artist, or someone with a passion for world cultures, this course will provide a rich and colorful experience. This is the same course offered in the Winter and Spring 2025 terms.

Callan B. Moody

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.

In-person at Tufts Medford/Somerville Campus

Science Fiction Before Science Fiction

Jonathan Schaffer, Outside Instructor

Monday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30)

5 Sessions, Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion

$125

Today, the origin of the science fiction genre is often located in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein. Yet, when William Wilson coined the term ‘science-fiction’ in 1851, the only work he could locate in the genre was R.H. Hornes 1850 novel, The Poor Artist. This course will examine Frankenstein and several other works of proto-science fiction, such as Lucian of Samosata 2nd-century writing, A True Story, or the 14th-century The Travels of Sir John Mandeville to interrogate historical understandings of ‘science’ and ‘truth.’ At the same time, we will use these historical frameworks to better understand our own relations to science in the world today.

Course participants are expected to read more than 50 pages per week.

Required readings:

Cavendish, Margaret. The Description of a New World, Called The Blazing-World, 1666. Click here to download the free e-book on Project Gutenberg. Read before 6/2.

More, Thomas. Utopia, 1516. Click here to download the free e-book on Project Gutenberg. Read before 6/9.

Mandeville, John. The Travels of Sir John Mandeville, 1375-1371. Click here to download the free e-book on Project Gutenberg. Read before 6/16.

Lucian. Lucian’s True History. Click here to download the free e-book on Project Gutenberg. Read before 6/23.

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Click here to download the free e-book on Project Gutenberg. Read before 6/30.

Jonathan Schaffer

Jonathan Schaffer (he/his/him) is a MA student in Brandeis University’s English department. He is a professional student, working full-time at Brandeis University as an Area Coordinator while completing his studies. Jonathan has a background teaching English as a foreign language to mixed Israeli and Palestinian groups, as well as teaching first year seminars at both Rutgers University and Brandeis University. The opportunity to explore applications of literary technique to daily work in American higher education are of great importance and interest to Jonathan. Jonathan’s research interests include queer and disability reading, ludonarratology, contemporary and genre literature, and medievalist fictions.”

In-person at Brooksby Village

Memoir Writing: What I Learned Writing the Story of a World Famous Bull (In-Person at Brooksby Village)

Carla Panciera, Outside Instructor

Monday, 10am - 12pm (6/2)

1 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

$25

Carla Panciera

In-person at Brooksby Village

Mind Of A Killer

John Olszewski, Outside Instructor

Monday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (6/2, 6/9)

2 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

$50

Join us as we look into the history of mass, serial, and spree murder, along with some other equally chilling cases while trying to explain the public obsession with them. We will analyze the instructor’s personal collection of artwork and correspondences from these most feared and infamous killers. The instructor will answer the questions of what goes through a crazed killer’s mind and what in their background and childhood could be a mitigating factor that may have led them to murder.

John Olszewski

John has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He has worked in jails, prisons, mental hospitals, and countless treatment centers throughout the state. He has also written to, spoken with, and met many of the worst murderers on the planet. He is the author of two books, The Long Dark Walk (2019) and Serial Shorts (2022). The Long Dark Walk chronicles his journey into the mind of a killer. Serial Shorts is a collection of seven short stories based on real life serial killers. It uses facts but also creates a story so it is both fiction and non-fiction.

In-person at Brookhaven At Lexington

Aristotle’s Ethics

Joyce Carpenter, OLLI Member

Wednesday, 10am - 12pm (5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18)

4 Sessions, Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion

$100

In this class, we’ll read major portions of the Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle. This is one of the most important works in the hisotry of Western ethical theory. Unlike contemporary theories that tend to focus on particular actions, Aristotle takes a much broader view on what it takes to live a good life. In the course of his analysis, he presents what we now call a theory of virtue. This course is based on the translation by Terence Irwin.

Course participants are expected to read 30 - 50 pages per week.

Required reading: Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. 350 BCE. Click here to purchase on Amazon. $16.48.

Joyce Carpenter

Joyce Carpenter studied literature and philosophy as an undergraduate at Rutgers and received a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago in philosophy in 1992. She’s taught philosophy and women’s studies at UIC, Chicago State, the College of Charleston (SC) and for Boston University’s Prison Education Program at MCI-Framingham. After leaving academia, she taught a variety of programming, web development and network administration courses before becoming an editor at Computerworld magazine. She retired and joined Tufts OLLI in 2016.

In-person at Brookhaven At Lexington

Mind Of A Killer

John Olszewski, Outside Instructor

Wednesday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (5/28, 6/4)

2 Sessions, Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion

$50

John Olszewski

About Osher Online Courses

We’re excited to share that beginning this summer term, we are now offering additional Zoom courses through Osher Online. These programs will allow our Tufts OLLI members to take classes on a wider variety of topics with an even more diverse pool of instructors and join other OLLI members from across the country! These courses were created by the Osher National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University and are delivered by that program. Their staff will provide moderators and technical assistance.

Each summer course is six weeks in duration, with 1.5-hour sessions every week. As such, we have reduced the cost to $125 per person, per course instead of the usual 6 session rate of $150. Sessions take place via Zoom. Sessions are not recorded, so live attendance is essential. A Tufts OLLI Membership is required to register for any of these courses.

After registering for Osher Online courses, students will receive a welcome email from Osher NRC that includes a link to the Osher Online website. The website holds the class Zoom link, syllabus, discussion board, and Customer Care contact information. Students will also receive an invitation

to a pre-class orientation with information on accessing courses (see the “Before Your First Class!” section). To ensure you do not miss any emails from Osher Online, please add osheronline@northwestern. edu to your email contact list.

Support for Courses

While registration is processed through Tufts OLLI, support for Osher Online courses is provided by the Osher Online Team at the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. For assistance, call them at (312) 503-5555 or email osheronline@northwestern.edu.

Before Your First Class!

Once you register for any Osher Online course, we strongly encourage you to attend their orientation session on July 1 at 2:00PM Eastern Time. A registration link will be provided after you register for one of the courses. You can also watch their Member Orientation recording to ensure you are fully prepared for your first day of class. Afterwards, practice logging in at www.osheronline.net!

Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online

100 Years of Magic: The Disney Legacy and Influence

Maria

Massad, Osher Online Instructor

Thursday, 7pm - 8:30pm (7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14)

6 Sessions

$125

How did Walt Disney’s life and vision shape the creation of an entertainment empire? How did early challenges influence the company’s identity and creative output? And how did Disney grow into a global powerhouse? This course explores these questions and more as we delve into the 100-year history of the Walt Disney Company, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to a global entertainment giant. Topics include the rise of Disney animation and theme parks, the company’s 1990 revival, and the strategic acquisitions that transformed Disney into a media conglomerate. We will also examine Disney’s future and gain insights into what it’s like to work behind the scenes at the company. Throughout the course, we will consider diverse perspectives—from those who revere the Magic Kingdom to those who critique it and everywhere in between. This course offers a comprehensive look at how Walt Disney’s vision became a cultural force shaping today’s entertainment industry.

Maria Massad

Maria Massad is a seasoned marketing leader and storyteller with a lifelong connection to the magic of Disney. Early in her career, she contributed to PBS’s acclaimed American Experience, a Walt Disney documentary, helping bring Walt’s visionary story to life for audiences nationwide. Massad also served on the leadership team of The Walt Disney Birthplace, where she led digital marketing and strategic partnerships to preserve and celebrate the Disney brothers’ legacy. With a an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Massad has worked across marketing, media, and storytelling, helping organizations craft impactful campaigns and connect with audiences. Her deep knowledge of Disney’s history, combined with her professional expertise, offers unique insights into the company’s evolution and enduring influence.

Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online

Architectural Oddities: An Off-The-Beaten-Path Look at Unconventional Architecture

Eleanor Schrader, Osher Online Instructor

Thursday, 1pm - 2:30pm (7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14)

6 Sessions

$125

Architectural history follows a canon of both traditional and eclectic styles from ancient to contemporary times. But what happens when a mix of whimsy, eccentricity, humor—and sometimes the creator’s genius—insert themselves into the mix? Occurring throughout time and in various parts of the world, these unconventional structures exist to serve the cultures they were created for, from ancient religious sites to modern carculture merriment. This course explores a myriad of structures set against the backdrop of societies in which they existed, the construction methods used, the patrons for whom these structures were constructed, and the notions of the builders and architects who created them.

Eleanor Schrader

Eleanor Schrader is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures and leads tours worldwide on art and architectural history. She has been named a distinguished instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts. Schrader is a Professor Emerita of art and architectural history at Santa Monica College. She has completed graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby’s Institute in London and New York. She has served as a design review commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills and currently serves on the board of directors of the John Lautner Foundation.

Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online

Behind Those Baby Blues: The Films of Paul Newman

Arnold Blumberg, PhD, Osher Online Instructor

Tuesday, 3pm - 4:30pm (7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12)

6 Sessions

$125

Paul Newman, the embodiment of charisma, captivated movie audiences with his iconic blue eyes, striking features, and powerful screen presence. Known for his multiple Academy Award-nominated performances in films like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), The Hustler (1961), and Absence of Malice (1981), Newman ultimately won an Oscar for The Color of Money (1986), the sequel to The Hustler. Alongside his acting career, he pursued a parallel path as a race car driver and dedicated significant time to entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. This course will trace the timeline of Newman’s remarkable career, from his legendary collaborations with Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973) to his final roles in Road to Perdition (2002), Empire Falls (2005), and Cars (2006), where he voiced the retired race car Doc Hudson.

Arnold Blumberg, PhD

Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg is a publisher, author, artist, and pop culture historian. He has taught courses in media literacy and cultural studies at University of Maryland, Baltimore College (UMBC), the University of Baltimore, Community College Baltimore College (CCBC), and the Osher Institute at Towson University. With fifteen years of experience in the comic book industry and five years curating a pop culture museum, he now runs his own publishing company, ATB Publishing.

Virtually

Demystifying Energy Security

Beth Hill-Skinner, Osher Online Instructor

Wednesday, 1pm - 2:30pm (7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13)

6 Sessions

$125

Energy is essential for both national and economic security, underpinning all aspects of life. Yet discussions of energy security often exclude the public, reducing complex issues to simplistic narratives like “Green is Good” or “Oil is Evil,” which provide little actionable insight. In this course, you will engage in a comprehensive examination of energy’s role in human development. Topics include the unmatched importance of hydrocarbons (oil and more); advancements in electricity; the past, present, and future of nuclear energy; and the potential of renewables. We will explore how these energy sources impact national security, economic stability, industrial production, transportation, and daily life. Join this course for a balanced, realistic assessment of energy security, a critical issue of our time.

Beth Hill-Skinner

Beth Hill Skinner has graduate degrees in Theology and International Diplomacy with a specialization in transnational terrorism. She has educated individuals and organizations for the purpose of empowering citizens to improve their community, state, and country. She believes there is a clear difference between providing information and education. She enjoys transforming the opaque or complex into clarity for her students or audiences.

Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online

Enjoying the Past and Present New York City: A History of Recreation in the Big Apple

Adam Kocurek, Osher Online Instructor

Wednesday, 11am - 12:30pm (7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13)

6 Sessions

$125

This course will explore the history of Manhattan, emphasizing the unique traits that drew into its harbor millions of immigrants and millions more tourists seeking its many resources, rich culture, and complex history. Together, we will explore the history of New York City’s parks, city shopping, entertainment venues, museums, and concerts. We will also discuss the social and arts movements that grew out of the city. Gain an appreciation of what the city has to offer its visitors and an insight into the history behind the tourist attractions.

Adam Kocurek

Adam Kocurek is a PhD candidate in History at The CUNY Graduate Center. His research lies at the intersections of LGBTQ+ history, labor history, and the history of higher education. He is an adjunct lecturer at Hunter College where he teaches modern American history. He has held fellowship positions at Queensborough Community College and Medgar Evers College, and has taught at Baruch College. He is a tour guide for Big Onion Walking Tours, leading locals and visitors on innovative and exciting tours through New York’s ethnic neighborhoods and historic districts. Through his research and teaching, he is committed to illuminating the complexities of American history and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse narratives that shape our society today.

Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online

History of Beer

Karl Brown, PhD, Osher Online Instructor

Tuesday, 7pm - 8:30pm (7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12)

6 Sessions

$125

Historians, beer enthusiasts, and curious minds alike will enjoy this exploration of the history of brewing. We will begin in the distant past with the invention of beer around 4000 BCE. Then we will journey through time to the modern rise of craft brewing. Along the way, we will dive into fascinating topics including medieval brewing, beer in Shakespeare’s era, colonial brewing, Prohibition, indigenous brewing traditions worldwide, and the evolution of beer commercials. This course meets during happy hour, so feel free—nay, encouraged—to raise a glass and toast to history while we learn.

Karl Brown, PhD

Dr. Karl Brown teaches courses in modern European history, film and media studies, and the history of drugs and drinking at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Before his academic career, he installed and operated brewpubs in Japan and Greece. Brown cofounded Second Salem Brewing Company in Whitewater and is an avid homebrewer of beer, cider, wine, and mead.

Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online

Public Health Across the Lifespan

Michelle

Boyd, MPH, Osher Online Instructor

Wednesday, 5pm - 6:30pm (7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13)

6 Sessions,

$125

This course provides a comprehensive overview of key public health topics across the human lifespan, from prenatal health to aging care. We will examine major health challenges, interventions, and policies that impact individuals at each life stage. By focusing on health disparities, preventive care, and the role of public health systems, the course equips us with the knowledge and skills to understand health issues in diverse populations. Through redaings and case studies, we will gain insight into the life-course approach to public health, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, continuous care, and aging with dignity.

Michelle Boyd, MPH

Michelle Boyd is an epidemiologist and public health researcher dedicated to advancing health equity through data modernization and effective health communication. With a focus on infectious disease data collection, surveillance, and maternal and child health, she brings expertise in analyzing public health data to uncover meaningful patterns and trends. Boyd holds a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from Indiana University Indianapolis and BS in human communication sciences from Northwestern University. Boyd is a board member for Fearless Brown Girls, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering young girls and increasing financial literacy. Her passion for health equity and public health education drives her commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through data and community engagement.

Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online

Stories of Adventure: The Norse Sagas

Vic Peterson, Osher Online Instructor

Wednesday, 3pm - 4:30pm (7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20)

6 Sessions

$125

Are you interested in stories rich with murder, intrigue, and sharp wit? This course will explore the Norse sagas, which are medieval tales rooted in Old Norse mythology, written in Iceland centuries after the Viking era. These stories range from realistic travel chronicles to epic sword-and-sorcery adventures, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into “Dark Age” swashbuckling. In this course we will also discuss how these stories continue to profoundly influence modern culture.

Vic Peterson

Vic Peterson is the author of The Berserkers (Hawkwood, 2022; Recital, 2023), a novel set in a fictional Nordic country. He holds a BA in English from Kenyon College, and MA degrees in humanities from The University of Texas at Dallas and in religious studies from the University of Chicago, where he also completed coursework at the Booth School of Business. After a successful career as a business executive, Vic now focuses on writing and teaching.

The Economics of Public Policy Issues

Geof Woglom, PhD, Osher Online Instructor

Tuesday, 1pm - 2:30pm (7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12)

6 Sessions

$125

Economics plays a central role in shaping every aspect of society. This course examines a series of prominent policy issues with economics at their core. We will explore the origins of these issues, the underlying data and evidence, and the policy tools available to address them. Each lecture will be standalone, delivered by a subject matter expert with a Ph.D. in economics. Potential topics include climate change, healthcare economics, economic inequality, and more, with final selections based on the most relevant and timely issues at the start of the course.

Geof Woglom, PhD

Geof Woglom, PhD is professor emeritus of economics at Amherst College, where he taught for over 40 years. He has held visiting positions at Cambridge, Harvard, and the London School of Economics. Woglom was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town and at Nanjing University. Over his career, he has served as an economic consultant for the International Monetary Fund, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online

The Rehnquist Court, 1986-2005: Moves Toward Small Federal Government

Lauren Andersen, JD, Osher Online Instructor

Monday, 11am - 12:30pm (7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11, 8/18)

6 Sessions

Chief Justice William Rehnquist led the U.S. Supreme Court for nearly 19 years (19862005), overseeing cases on privacy, civil rights, the environment, the First Amendment, and states’ rights. Under his leadership, the Court actively struck down federal statuses and precedent, often with conservative outcomes. However, as its composition shifted, some conservative rulings diminished. This course examines the legacy of the Rehnquist Court, as well as his 15 years as an associate justice under Chief Justice Warrn Burger. We will explore landmark cases, including Woodson v. North Carolina (1976), Craig v. Boren (1978), Miller v. Johnson (1995), Bush v. Gore (2000), Atkins v. Virginia (2001), and Lawrence v. Texas (2002).

Lauren Andersen, JD

Lauren Andersen is the director of the Utah Judicial Institute. Andersen practiced appellate law in the state of California Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. During this time, Andersen closely studied the Roberts Court. She has lectured about the Supreme Court and the death penalty. Her opinions were quoted by The New York Times and the ABA Journal. She was previously the director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah.

OLLI EVENTS

Additional events and full event details will be shared with current Tufts OLLI Members via our weekly digest and on our website. 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 via email.

Save the Dates!

April 10, 12pm | Polcari’s Restaurant, Woburn, MA

Come together and share a meal during our day-time dine around.

Also mark your calendars for:

May 7, 5pm | Krave Kitchen, Woburn, MA

June 2, 11:30am | The Great Wall, Bedford, MA

More details to be announced.

Full event details and the link to RSVP will be available to current members in upcoming Tufts OLLI Weekly Digest.

Spring Term Celebration

May 2025, Date & Time TBA

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 will be available to current members in upcoming Tufts OLLI Weekly Digest.

Save the Date: June 2025

We’ll come together in June to review the ‘24-’25 membership year and learn about plans for the ‘25-’26 year!

OLLI AT NIGHT

The Secret Life of Jokes with David Misch

June 25, 7:00 - 8:30PM ET

Virtually 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 will be available to current members in upcoming Tufts OLLI Weekly Digest.

OLLI ON THE ROAD

Join us for our new program, OLLI on the Road! These domestic day trips will take members to explore new areas and attractions a little further afield than the MBTA can travel. Each trip fee covers round-trip transportation to and from Tufts, any tickets required for entry, and lunch.

Full trip details and registration links will be shared with current members in upcoming Weekly Digests.

Tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Homes and the Currier Museum of Art

May 1, 2025 | Manchester, NH $170

The Currier Museum is the only art museum in the world with two Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Accessible by guided tour, they are the only Wright buildings open to the public in New England. Both were built in the 1950s when Wright’s domestic architecture reshaped American home design. The Usonian Automatic and the Zimmerman House express two equally beautiful visions through their closely related designs and contrasting materials.

Tour of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

May 19, 2025 | Boylston, MA

$125

The Worcester County Horticultural Society, founded in 1842, established New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA as a horticultural resource—a place for people to experience the wonder of plants, learn about the natural world, and make joyful connections. Our doors opened in 1986 and we’ve continued to grow our mission, our footprint, and our role in the community ever since. Today’s Garden sits on 200 acres. It includes conservatories, formal and naturalistic gardens, a café, Garden Shop, walking trails, accessible pathways, and expansive views of the Wachusett Reservoir. A nonprofit organization and AAM-accredited museum, we care for an irreplaceable collection of plants and place sustainability and environmental stewardship at the forefront of our work. A robust, year-round calendar of educational classes, activities, and events engages people of all ages in meaningful experiences with plants.

We’re proud to be a garden where everyone belongs, where wandering is always welcome, and where no two visits will ever be quite the same.

Wildlife Photo Workshop and Tour

June 12, 2025 6pm – 8pm: Online Pre Tour Class | Virtually on Zoom

June 13, 2025 10am – 12pm: Stone Zoo Tour and Photography Workshop |

In-Person

June 17, 2025 6pm – 8pm: Online Critique Class | Virtually on Zoom

Price TBA

Join Nature Photographer Steve McGrath on a Wildlife Photography Workshop where you will learn how to use your digital camera like a pro and improve your wildlife photographic technique. Understand the settings of your camera and what you need to compose a professional looking photograph.

You’ll have the opportunity to practice what you’ve learned out at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA with Steve on hand to give you tips. With so many great photographic opportunities and challenges at the Stone Zoo, you’ll have plenty of pictures and new skills to take home!

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.

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

Course Registration & Policy Information

1 Become a Member or Renew your Membership for Registration Day

◦ Membership is required for class registration.

◦ Membership fee is $75 for an annual membership of July 1, 202 4 to June 30, 2025.

◦ The membership is reduced to $25 beginning April 22, 2025. This provides a valid membership for April 22 – June 30, 2025.

Registration Runs from April 22, 2025 Through May 22, 2025

◦ Register online by visiting our website, https://universitycollege.tufts.edu/osherlifelong-learning-institute/browse .

◦ Add the OLLI courses you would like to take to your shopping cart and checkout!

Please note that a 2024-2025 membership fee is automatically added to your shopping cart. Once you enter your username and password, this fee will be removed if you already renewed your membership for this year.

Instantly Know Your Summer 2025 Schedule

◦ Payment is due to complete your class registration. The same day you register and pay for your classes you will know what courses you are enrolled in and/or what waitlists you are on!

◦ As long as there are seats available for a course, you can adjust your schedule up to four business days before the start of the term.

REGISTRATION SCHEDULE

◦ Summer Registration Opens: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

◦ Add/Drop Period: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – Thursday, May 22, 2025

◦ Classes Begin: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

COMMUNITY STANDARDS, REFUNDS, WITHDRAWALS, AND CANCELLATIONS POLICIES

The Tufts OLLI Community Standards & Guidelines for participation, refunds, withdrawals, and course cancellations can be found on our website, https:// universitycollege.tufts.edu/osher-lifelong-learning-institute . Those members participating in the program are responsible for reading and adhering to all policies found there.

FINANCIAL AID

Partial tuition remission is available on a limited basis. For more information, please contact our office at osherlli@tufts.edu or (617) 627-5699.