Featured Member
Meet Eileen on page 01!
Winter 2026 Course Catalog
January – March 2026
Course registration begins November 19, 2025 and runs through January 12, 2026.
Membership is required to register for courses.
Published October 30, 2025
Please
To our Tufts Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Members,
Welcome to our Winter Course catalog!
During our Winter 2026 term, we’re excited to offer a wide variety of Tufts OLLI and Osher Online topics, covering everything from the American Revolution to Pet Portrait Photography.
We’ve redesigned and reorganized our Winter catalog to make it easier for our readers to find courses in their favorite topic areas or those led by their favorite facilitators. Looking for our traditional ‘At A Glance’ page? It’s still here! We placed it at the back of the catalog to make for easier home printing and easy removal should you prefer to bring that quick list of course options with you.
In addition to our great line-up of course offerings, we have a wonderful selection of Lunch and Learn talks which will take place every Wednesday on Zoom during our Winter term. Don’t worry, we’ll return to our newly renovated Alumnae Lounge space at Tufts when our Spring 2026 term begins in March.
Our Winter term would not be possible
without the help of our member-led Curriculum and Lunch and Learn committees, nor would our courses be up and running without our member instructors and the Tufts students, staff, and faculty, and our Outside Experts who teach them—THANK YOU!
As always, our team is just a phone call away if you have any questions or would like assistance in registering. Please do not hesitate to give us a call at (617) 627-5699 or email us at OsherLLI@tufts.edu.
Your Tufts Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Team,
Callan B. Moody Program Director
Kathy Scanlon Program Administrator
Tufts OLLI Policies
All Tufts OLLI members are expected to know and follow our policies as listed on our website. To ensure a pleasant and welcoming sense of community for our members, all Tufts OLLI Community Members (current members, course instructors, guest speakers, etc.) must follow our community standards and guidelines for participation.
Tufts OLLI Community Standards and Guidelines for Participation
A social community is not just a group of individuals with shared interests; it’s a vibrant space that fosters connection, support, curiosity, and collaboration. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Tufts University is a strong community of older learners that is also an important part of the Tufts University community, which is comprised of students and educators of all ages.
Tufts OLLI strives to create an environment that focuses on the following:
• Respect & Kindness: Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Constructive Dialogue: Encourage passionate discussions but respect differing views without personal attacks.
• Zero Tolerance for Disrespect: Offensive language, discrimination, or distruptive behaviors are not allowed, and violators may face consequences.
• Inclusive Learning: Provide a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives are valued and ensure a conducive environment for academic and personal development.
All members of the Tufts OLLI community (paid members, course instructors, guest speakers, etc.) will be held accountable to these standards and guidelines. The Program Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, will handle any infractions. Violations may result in discontinuation of participation in the program.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Office Closures
The OLLI Office and course schedule follows the Tufts University calendar when it comes to closures or not scheduling classes on specific days. As such the OLLI Office will be closed on the following days during Winter registration and the Winter term:
• November 27 – 28, 2025
• December 24 – January 1, 2026
• January 19, 2026
• February 16, 2026
Communication
A newsletter is sent to all current OLLI members every Tuesday. This newsletter will include important announcements, RSVP links for events, etc. So you can be sure to receive this email and other important communications from our office, please be sure to add the following emails to your address book to help keep them out of your spam folder:
• OsherLLI@tufts.edu
• Callan.Moody@tufts.edu
• OsherOnline@northwestern.edu
Didn’t receive an email you were expecting from the office or course leader? Please check your spam folder!
New this year, we will also be using the Nearpeer desktop and mobile app to streamline communications with members! More information about this platform can be found on page 05. Members will be added to our Nearpeer instance weekly on Mondays.
Disability Accommodations
If you have a disability and need accommodation, please call our office at (617) 627-5699. A two-week advance notice is suggested. We are committed to equal access for persons with disabilities and will make every effort to provide accommodations.
Tufts OLLI is proud to partner with Brookhaven at Lexington and Brooksby Village. Through our partnership, members who reside at both locations have a slightly different registration process. Please contact our office at OsherLLI@tufts.edu for assistance.
Phone: (617) 627-5699
Email: OsherLLI@tufts.edu
Web: olli.tufts.edu
80 George Street Medford, MA 02155
On the Cover: Meet Eileen Winslow
Eileen Winslow joined Tufts OLLI in 2015. She enjoys going to the Tufts campus to take courses, meet other members, and enjoy a walk about the beautiful Tufts grounds. Eileen takes part in many in-person and virtual events, such as the Lunch and Learn Talks, Dine Arounds, and OLLI on Foot programs, and is acting co-chair of our Membership Committee, so you’re likely to meet her during your time as an OLLI member! Eileen is also active on our new Nearpeer platform if you’d like to connect with her there!
COURSE CATEGORIES Winter 2026
By Course Topic p.07
We’ve reorganized our catalog so members can find courses by their preferred category—by Instructor, Course Topic, or the Day of Week the course is held. Please refer to the page numbers for more information about the courses offered in each category.
Looking for our usual ‘At A Glance’ page? You can now find that at the end of the catalog.
By Instructor
Agron, Mike 16
Bell, Rick 23
Bethke, Eliot 19
Bittner, Petra 9
Cronk, Randy 18
Fraknoi, Andrew 14
Hendrickson, Johnnie 20
Ingebretsen, Edward J. 09
King, Chelsea 17
Kovalko, Yolanta 22
Labkovsky, Elena 11
Livingston, Fraser 15
Mankin, Eric 19
McClory, Megan 14
McCree, Paula 12
McGrath, Steve 10
Miller, Sara 21
Moody, Callan B. 12
Murphy, Kendall 21
Neaman, Hailey 10
Platt, Josh 13
Prichard, Laura 15
Shaw, Jacob 18
Simon, Eric 20
Soos, Emese 16
Waslin, Michele 22
Weingarden, Lauren 11
Ye, Qing 17
Zhang, Ting 20
Health
and Wellness
History
Literature and Philosophy
Music
Politics, Economics, and Sociology
Science, Nature, and Technology
Travel and Culture
Visual Arts Mondays
By Day of Week
Suggested and Required Reading Information
To better manage our limited catalog space, price information and the links to purchase any suggested and/or required materials for our courses will only be available on the course registration website, go.tufts.edu/Catalog.
2025-2026 Tufts OLLI
Membership Information
For many years, our organization has maintained a single membership fee structure. While this model has served us well, we’ve listened carefully to your feedback and spent time evaluating how we can better serve the diverse needs and interests of our members while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our program. As a result, we are introducing a tiered membership system starting July 1, 2025.
Why the Change?
Our goal is to offer more flexibility, choice, and value for everyone. We understand that members participate in different ways—some join us for occasional events, while others are more involved year-round. The new tiered system allows each member to choose a level that best fits their lifestyle and interests.
Tufts OLLI Membership Tiers
Learn more about membership benefits on our website.
Base Membership $75/year
Lunch and Learn Talks
Special Events
Course Registrations - A la carte
Bronze Membership $150/year
Lunch and Learn Talks
Special Events
Course Registrations - A la carte
Silver Membership $350/year
Lunch and Learn Talks
Special Events
Course Registrations - A la carte
2 courses included
Gold Membership $750/year
Lunch and Learn Talks
Special Events
Course Registrations
Unlimited courses included
OLLI On the Road
EDventure Clubs
OLLI On the Road
EDventure Clubs
OLLI On the Road
EDventure Clubs
OLLI On the Road
10% Discount on trip fees
EDventure Clubs
STEPS TO PURCHASE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO REGISTER FOR COURSES
Base Membership
This will be automatically be added to your cart so you can check out the same way you have in the past!
Bronze Membership
The best order of operations is to add this membership fee to your cart and then checkout. If you wish to register for courses, please login to your account and then register for courses as a separate transaction after purchasing your membership.
Silver or Gold Membership
Please follow the same steps as purchasing the Bronze Membership.
IMPORTANT: The discount code to receive your free course(s) will be included on the receipt of your membership purchase and emailed to you only after the purchasing of the membership is complete.
Course Registration & Policy Information
For the 2025-2026 membership year, the process to purchase a membership and register for courses is slightly different than it has been in the past. Please refer to the previous page, page 3, for information on purchasing an OLLI membership.
REGISTER ONLINE ON OUR WEBSITE
Add the OLLI courses you would like to take to your shopping cart and checkout! Payment is due to complete your course registration.
Registration runs from Wednesday, November 19, 2025 through Monday, January 12, 2026. Please note that registration for Osher Online courses ends January 2, 2026.
Please note that a 2025-2026 Base Membership fee is automatically added to your shopping cart. Once you enter your username and password to login into your account, this fee will be removed if you already renewed your membership for this year.
Planning to purchase a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Membership? Please complete your membership transaction separately and prior to your course registration transaction.
Once you become a Silver or Gold Member, the discount code to receive your free course(s) will be included on the receipt of your membership purchase and emailed to you only after the purchasing of the membership is complete.
Already a Silver or Gold Member? Your discount code for winter registration will be sent to you via email the day registration opens.
Winter 2026 Registration Schedule
• Winter 2026 registration opens Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Add/Drop period: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – Monday, January 12, 2026
• Courses begin January 20, 2026. Some Osher Online courses begin Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Community Standards, Refunds, Withdrawals, and Cancellation Policies
The Tufts OLLI Community Standards & Guidelines for participation, refunds, withdrawals, and course cancellations can be found on our website, olli.tufts.edu. Those members participating in the program are responsible for reading and adhering to all policies found there.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid is available to those members who provide documentation that their annual income is less than the median income of the city/town in which they reside. This financial aid will include waiving the base membership fee of $75 and 50% off all courses in which they choose to register. Please reach out to the office for more information.
About Nearpeer
Nearpeer is a community engagement app recently expanding into lifelong learning programs nationwide. It is a closed app experience for Tufts OLLI members, so you don’t have to worry about advertisements, scams, or people trying to acquire or sell your information.
The goal is to make it easier for Tufts OLLI members to connect with one another regardless of location. Members can connect over shared interests, chat one-on-one, or join a specific chat group on various topics—all ways to strengthen our community even more! Here are just a few examples of the things you can do with Nearpeer:
• Connect and chat with people from your current or past courses.
• Search for and find people who are interested in graphic novels, cooking, or hiking.
• Join the group chat sharing a joke of the day.
• Connect and organize carpools for getting to campus or a community event.
Nearpeer can be used on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop device, whichever is easier for you! The Tufts OLLI team will offer training sessions throughout the summer and fall to help cover the basics of the platform and provide assistance if needed.
Tufts OLLI members will be added to our Nearpeer instance every Monday and Thursday morning, so keep an eye on your email for more information and next steps!
Winter 2026
LUNCH AND LEARN TALKS
A huge thank-you is due to our Lunch and Learn committee members for organizing such a wonderful line-up of talks for our Winter term!
Beginning on January 21, 2026, our Winter talks kick off with Michael Tidwell, Author and Director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network presenting ‘Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: One Year of Dramatic Climate Impacts on One Urban Block.’ The talks will continue every Wednesday throughout our Winter term and cover everything from the Jim Henson to the League of Women in Community Service.
The full Lunch and Learn schedule for the winter can be found on pg. 35. We placed the schedule there in a handy one-pager to make it easier for at-home printing!
Steps to Print the ‘At A Glance’ and Winter Lunch and Learn Talk Schedule at Home:
1. Download our Winter catalog.
2. Click print (either the printer icon on the top right of the page or by clicking File and then Print).
3. In the new pop-up window, under Pages to Print, select the radio button next to Pages and enter 32, 33, 34, 35.
Only looking to print the Lunch and Learn schedule? Only enter 35
4. Click Print!
Printing instructions may vary by computer and printer, please call the office for assistance if needed!
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Brain and Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology 11
Environment and Health: Everyday Science for Better Living 20
Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) 12
Yoga Nidra (Sleep Yoga Guided Meditation) 22
HISTORY
American Top Ten 9
Japanese History Through the Lens of Shogun 14
John James Audubon and the Birds of America 20
More than Parks: A History of American Conservation 15
The American Revolution Beyond the British Empire 23
LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY
An Unfinished Story: The Best Short Stories of O. Henry 9
China: A Cultural Odyssey 17
How Fiction Works 18
The Theater of Infertility 13
Two Novels by Marcel Pagnol 16
MUSIC
Hidden Voices: An Exploration of Women’s Contributions to Early Music & the Development of the Modern Mixed Chorus 15
The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies 16
POLITICS, ECONOMICS,
AND SOCIOLOGY
How the U.S. Immigration System (Usually) Works 22
The Dismal Science –Developing an Economic Mindset 19
SCIENCE,
NATURE, AND TECHNOLOGY
Einstein Without Tears: His Theories Explained Without Math and In Everyday Language 14
Invisible Intelligence: The
Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life 19
Pharmaceuticals and Poisons: Chemistry at the Edge 20
Using Google Workspace Tools with Confidence 17
TRAVEL AND CULTURE
Legends of the Loch: Mythical Creatures of Scotland 12
Thai Cooking 21
VISUAL ARTS
Face It: The Art & Science of Caricature 18
More Thinking Outside of the Box: Site-Specific Contemporary Art 21
Pet Portrait Photography 10
Post Impressionism and the Birth of Abstraction 11
Towards a Free Revolutionary Art: Frida Kahlo and the International Leftist Movement 10
VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM
American Top Ten: The Legacy of Exclusion $100
Edward J. Ingebretsen, Outside Instructor
Monday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 4 Sessions
1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23
Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
Min: 5 Max: 50
American Top Ten: The Legacy of Exclusion is a four-session journey into the foundational texts, laws, decisions, and doctrines that have defined, constrained, and excluded whole classes of people—often in the name of order, liberty, or law. Rather than a celebration of American exceptionalism, this series examines the legal architectures of inequality: the “positive laws” that made slavery enforceable, that erased women’s legal identities, that removed Indigenous nations from ancestral lands, and that continue to disenfranchise voters and minoritize bodies. We trace how courts, presidents, and lawmakers repeatedly drew hard lines—between white and Black, citizen and alien, male and female, landholder and displaced. Each session invites close reading and critical reflection on both the letter and the spirit of the law. Together, we’ll confront the legacy of these exclusions and ask: What does civic memory look like when we center the laws that limited freedom, rather than just those that proclaimed it?
Professor Edward Ingebretsen holds advance degrees in Theology and Ethics (JSTB 1982) and a Doctorate in American Studies / Theology (Duke 1986). His
publications (books, journals) consider the intersection of gender, race, theology, and popular cultures. He specializes in nonhuman animal ethics.
An Unfinished Story: The Best Short Stories of O. Henry $100
Petra Bittner, Outside Instructor
Monday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 4 Sessions 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23
Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
Min: 8 Max: 12
The more than 600 stories written by O. Henry around the turn of the 20th century provided an embarrassment of riches for the editors of the most recent collection. The final compilation of thirty-eight stories offers those tales that represent the best work of one of America’s favorite storytellers. They are tales written in the most mellow, humorous, and ironic moods; and they give the full range and flavor of the man born William Sydney Porter but known throughout the world as O. Henry.
Petra Bittner is a German native from Berlin who holds degrees in English literature (Ph.D.) and teaching German as a second language (MA/Staatsexamen). She has taught language and cultural studies classes for Boston University, Harvard University and MIT. Between 2007 and 2020 she taught cultural studies and business communication courses for various universities in Munich. During that time, Petra was also a lecturer and language instructor for the adult education center in Munich (Münchner Volkshochschule). Since 2020 she has been teaching both English and German literature as well as German language
classes for CCAE. In 2022 she started teaching for Tufts/OLLI. Petra loves the cultural diversity in adult education classes as well as the relaxed but dedicated atmosphere in the classroom. In her language teaching she focuses on communicative competency and cultural awareness.
Pet Portrait Photography $75
Steve McGrath, Outside Instructor
Monday, 7:30pm – 9pm 3 Sessions 2/9, 2/23, 3/1
Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
Min: None Max: 15
This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know to take professional-quality portraits. You will learn how to work with all different types of subjects, from individuals and groups to children and pets. Steve will explain the nuances of lighting and posing, how to shoot in studio or on location, and how to master the gear you will need to create inspiring work!
Steve McGrath is professional freelance photographer and photography teacher who has been creating images for 30 years. Steve first began by shooting sports photography for local high schools, then weddings, and stock agencies. Then his love of the outdoors led him to focusing more on his true passion, nature photography, and has won many ribbons and awards at fairs and competitions through the group and on his own. Many of his images have been published in school text books. His favorite places to shoot are Acadia National Park in Maine, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Towards a Free Revolutionary Art: Frida Kahlo and the International Leftist Movement $150
Hailey Neaman, Tufts Graduate Student
Monday, 10am – 12pm 6 Sessions 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23
Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
Min: None Max: 15
This course dives into the work of Frida Kahlo and David Alfaro Siqueiros through the lens of the 1938 Manifesto: Towards a Free Revolutionary Art , written by Andre Breton, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky. Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) remains one of the most studied Mexican artists, yet much of the scholarship on her work is overwhelmingly biographical, often reducing her artistic contributions to reflections on personal trauma. This essentializing tendency frequently positions Kahlo as the wife of Diego Rivera or a survivor of misfortune, rather than recognizing her as an artist engaged in a broader network of politically motivated creators. This course challenges these reductive interpretations by situating Kahlo within a coalition of leftist artists striving to expose the intersections between U.S. capitalism and European fascism. The course explores paintings such as My Dress Hangs There (1933) and The Love Embrace of the Universe, the Earth (Mexico), Myself, Diego, and Señor Xolotl (1949), alongside primary source documents and material culture, to explore how Kahlo’s work aligns with the revolutionary ideals articulated in the 1938 Manifesto: Towards a Free
Revolutionary Art . The course also incorporates works from Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros to establish parallels to Kahlo’s work and reveal her influence on her male contemporaries. Please note that the schedule of this course may change after the course instructor’s own Spring Course schedule is finalized.
Hailey Neaman is a first-year Master’s student (anticipated graduation 2027) in the department of the history of art and architecture who graduated from Washington and Lee University with a double major in Art History and Religion in May 2025. Hailey’s research interests include 20th century Mexican Art and Chicano/x art; as an undergraduate, Hailey developed her interest in art history and museums through several internships at museums and galleries in Virginia, through a teaching assistantship for a seminar on Frida Kahlo, through travel abroad, and, most significantly, through her Art History thesis. Hailey’s art history thesis, entitled “Revolutionary Visions: Frida Kahlo, Active Political Resistance, and ‘The Need for the Emancipation of Man,’” received honors on account of her unique exploration of Kahlo’s connection to the male figures involved in the international leftist movement. Hailey hopes to continue to analyze Frida Kahlo and other 20th century Mexican women artists, going beyond their biography to emphasize their influences on their male contemporaries.
VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM THROUGH OSHER ONLINE
Brain and Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology $125
Elena Labkovsky, Osher Online
Monday, 11am – 12:30pm 6 Sessions 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
Explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect the brain, behavior, and mental health. This course examines the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions, and decision-making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and techbased addictions. We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Elena Labkovsky, PhD, is a neuroscientist and clinical neuropsychologist with over 30 years of experience in cognitive psychology and psychophysiology. She specializes in neurobehavioral modulation, integrating psychological, neuropsychological, and physiological approaches to support emotional and cognitive well-being. Her work focuses on how brain function shapes behavior and on developing innovative, research-based treatments for mental health challenges.
Post Impressionism and the Birth of Abstraction $125
Lauren Weingarden, Osher Online
Monday, 5pm – 6:30pm 6 Sessions 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
This course explores PostImpressionism’s bold departure from naturalistic light and color, focusing on the expressive use of form, symbolism, and vivid, often unnatural color. Through
the work of Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Seurat, and Matisse, we will trace the movement’s challenge to artistic norms and social values—laying the foundation for modern art and redefining the artist’s role in society.
VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM
Legends of the Loch: Mythical Creatures of Scotland $50
Callan B. Moody, Tufts Faculty or Staff Member
Tuesday, 10am – 11am 4 Sessions 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10
Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
Min: None Max: None
As a land that proudly has a unicorn for its national animal, Scotland has a rich history of mythical and supernatural creatures. Join us on a captivating journey through Scotland’s rich folklore as we explore the legendary creatures that have stirred imaginations for centuries. From the mysterious Loch Ness Monster and shape-shifting selkies to mischievous fairies and towering Highland giants, this course invites you to revisit old tales, share stories, and discover how mythology reflects the spirit and landscape of Scotland. Perfect for those who enjoy history, storytelling, and a touch of the magical. This is an abbreviated version of the in-person course offered in Fall 2025.
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. With her mother being born and raised in Scotland, Callan grew up with the tales of Scottish mythical creatures and enjoys sharing her Scottish heritage with others.
Positivity and Relaxation Training
(PART ) $175
Paula McCree, Tufts Alum
Tuesday, 10am – 12pm 8 Sessions 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10
Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
Min: 5 Max: 12
The Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) program is an 8-week small group education program that teaches participants self-care techniques to promote health, happiness and general wellbeing and resilience. The program is based on the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program designed by the BensonHenry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at the Mass General Hospital for use in clinical setting. PART has been designed for delivery outside of the clinical setting using many of the same evidence based practices of the SMART program. PART employs a variety of mind-body techniques like meditation, mindfulness, and positive psychology.
TUESDAYS
It also integrates creativity, humor and adaptive thinking practices from cognitive psychology. Participants learn skills and have a chance to practice and share experiences with others during each class. Classes start with reflection and end with meditation and recommendations for practice between sessions. Participants report the program has helped them develop skills to manage stress and cultivate a more positive outlook.
Paula is a certified Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) Instructor through the Mass General, Benson Henry Mind Body Institute with additional certification in the Power of Awareness mindfulness training by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. In addition, she is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance and Certified Life and Success Coach through the Jay Shetty Coaching Certification School. Paula also holds an MS in Nutrition from the Tufts School of Nutrition. Paula offers a variety of wellbeing and resilience programs and practices through 1:1 coaching, workshops, and yoga programs which are designed to guide participants discover what works for them to lead their best life in service to their future self while navigating and managing all the changes that come with daily living with grace and ease. All of the programs and services are grounded in evidence-based practices from positive psychology, cognitive behaviour theory, and mindfulness layered on a foundation of healthy lifestyle behaviors including nutrition, exercise, and sleep with a healthy dose of creativity and humor. The majority of her career to date has been in program management and oversight within the healthcare industry. She has been responsible for starting new functions
within organizations as well as starting new organizations. In all of these roles she created cultures where employees not just thrive, but flourish by bringing mindful practices to everyday leadership. Realizing this was her passion, she is now dedicating her time to teaching these practices and making them available to those who might not otherwise have access to them. Many of her services are delivered in community settings including library’s, senior centers, the YMCA.
The Theater of Infertility $100
Josh Platt, Outside Instructor
Tuesday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 4 Sessions 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10
Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
Min: 5 Max: None
This class will survey the enduring theme of infertility in Western theater. In the first class, we’ll discuss the role of fertility rituals in ancient Greece with reference to the comic playwright Aristophanes’ Thesmophoriazusae, a play which reimagines the ritual as a site for feminist revolution. In the second session, we’ll explore Old and New Testament stories of miraculous pregnancy as contexts for medieval English plays about Mary and the Annunciation. In the third session, we will engage with the life and work of early 20th century Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca, focusing on his tragic dramatic poem Yerma and the play’s tacit anti-fascist politics. In the fourth session, we’ll discuss a recent adaptation of Yerma by radical innovator Simon Stone, which reimagines the folk heroine as a young woman in contemporary London and deals with
the complex web of social and medical strains faced by women and couples today. Students will be encouraged to read scenes aloud during class to inspire the discussion. We will also consider video clips of these plays in performance.
Josh Platt is a dramaturg, educator and collaborative theater artist in the Boston area. He holds a Master of Arts from Emerson College in Theatre Education, and he’s on faculty at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education. This course emerges from four intertwining interests: his life-long exploration of Biblical folklore and myth; his ongoing dramaturgical work regarding F.G. Lorca; his continued exploration of women’s lives and feminist stories in the contemporary theater; and the complex role that infertility and IVF has played in his extended family.
predictions and why his work remains a source of wonder for both scientists and science fiction fans.
Andrew Fraknoi is the former chair of the astronomy department at Foothill College and now teaches noncredit astronomy courses at San Francisco State and the University of San Francisco. He is lead author of OpenStax Astronomy, the most widely used free introductory astronomy textbook in North America. Named California Professor of the Year in 2007, he frequently explains astronomy in everyday language on national radio programs. The International Astronomical Union named Asteroid 4859 Fraknoi in his honor as a recognition of his contributions to the public understanding of science. years. She delights in revisiting some of her favorite literary works, this time in English.
TUESDAYS
Einstein Without Tears: His Theories Explained Without Math and In Everyday Language $125
Andrew Fraknoi, Osher Online
Tuesday, 5pm – 6:30pm 6 Sessions
1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
Explore the fascinating world of Albert Einstein’s theories—no math or science background required. This course introduces key ideas like time travel, warped space, black holes, and gravitational waves, all in accessible terms. We will discover how modern science continues to confirm Einstein’s VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM THROUGH OSHER ONLINE
Japanese History Through the Lens of Shogun $125
Megan McClory, Osher Online
Tuesday, 7pm – 8:30pm 6 Sessions 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
Inspired by the 2024 FX mini-series Shogun, this course explores Japan’s transition from civil war to peace between the 15th and 18th centuries. We will examine the rise of key unifiers, the roles of diverse social groups (like merchants, peasants, women, and outcasts), and the era’s political, cultural, and artistic shifts. For fans of the series or those new to Japanese history, this course offers a rich, accessible introduction.
Megan McClory is a doctoral candidate in
history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research explores sword restrictions in early modern Japan and their role in shaping peace and power. A Global Research Fellow at Kokugakuin University, she has spent years living and studying in Japan and holds a BA from Brandeis University.
More than Parks: A History of American Conservation $125
Fraser Livingston, Osher Online
Tuesday, 1pm – 2:30pm 6 Sessions 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
Explore the evolution of American conservation from the 19th century to today. This course goes beyond national parks to examine how urban reformers, scientists, women activists, and Native communities shaped the movement. Through diverse stories and landscapes, we will gain a deeper understanding of how Americans have fought to preserve—and define—the natural world.
Fraser Livingston is an environmental historian with a PhD in American history from Mississippi State University. His research focuses on the history of science, technology, and agriculture. He received the 2023 Gilbert C. Fite Award for Best Dissertation on Agricultural History and currently works on a book about conservationist George Bird Grinnell. He also serves as book review editor for Environmental History.
Women’s Contributions to Early Music & the Development of the Modern Mixed Chorus $150
Laura Prichard, Outside Instructor
Wednesday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 6 Sessions 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25
Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
Min: None Max: None
Hidden Voices: An Exploration of VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM
The voices of women have been suppressed, avoided, and even banned throughout the history of music, but new archival research reveals the power of their musical presence. We will examine early manuscripts and artistic representations of musical women to locate them at the center of musical life in Egypt, Greece, and Catholic convents. In the 17th - 19th centuries, cultural centers such as Ferrara and Venice were renowned for their female musicians; we will look at musical scores by and for women in this period and sing some in class, depending on interest. Early operas and oratorios often replaced male singers with women in revivals of successful works. As Paris, Amsterdam, and London became renowned as centers of music publishing, diverse ensembles arose to satisfy a more sophisticated level of taste. Convents, cloisters, and schools employed women as musicians, and both men and women participated in colonial singing schools. During the revolutionary period, attitudes and assumptions about gender roles shifted dramatically, and performance practice revealed the politics of the times: North American and European singing societies and clubs commissioned many of the great masterworks of the Classical and early
Romantic periods. We will conclude with an exploration of early anthropological research into music (the birth of ethnology and “world music”) and how women were critical to the early push to conserve, record, and archive sounds from around the world.
Dr. Laura Stanfield Prichard has been the Principal Pre-Concert Lecturer for the San Francisco Symphony & Opera since 1995. She recently collaborated with the New York Philharmonic to co-create a new oratorio with Hollywood composer Aaron Zigman for PBS, and she is a professional chorister in Boston and San Francisco (symphony choruses & early music).
Two Novels by Marcel Pagnol $175
Emese Soos, Retired Tufts Faculty or Staff Member
Wednesday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 8 Sessions
1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11
Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
Min: 5 Max: 18
Marcel Pagnol (1895-1974) is considered one of the great writers and film-makers of his time, indeed the first cinéaste to be elected to the Académie Française. In the two interrelated novels, Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, he brings to life a Provençal legend set deep in the sparsely inhabited hills of southern France. He spins his rich evocations of natural beauty, the natives who strive to live on the sun-parched, arid land, and their enmities fraught with crime and betrayal into a complex, dramatic tale. If time permits, we will discuss the film versions of the two works.
Emese Soos majored in French and history
at Mount Holyoke College, earned a Ph.D. in French from the University of WisconsinMadison, and taught French language and culture courses at Tufts for over 30 years. She delights in revisiting some of her favorite literary works, this time in English.
VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM THROUGH OSHER ONLINE
The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movie s $125
Mike Agron, Osher Online
Wednesday, 5pm – 6:30pm 6 Sessions
1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles— jazz, classical, pop—into powerful cinematic impressions. We will discuss how composers shape emotion across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns. From The Jazz Singer to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact.
Born in LA’s entertainment scene, Mike is a former high-tech exec and entrepreneur who now creates and delivers dynamic, story-driven seminars on music and entertainment. With a storyteller’s eye and a DJ’s ear, he’s led 15 acclaimed seminar series, each spotlighting a different facet of music and entertainment, for the Sacramento
Renaissance Society and national lifelong learning groups including OLLI, Osher Online, Encore Learning, and more.
Using Google Workspace Tools with Confidence $125
Chelsea King, Osher Online
Wednesday, 7pm – 8:30pm 6 Sessions
1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
This beginner-friendly course introduces Google Workspace tools like Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. We will learn core features, basic navigation, and practical applications for personal and professional use. With guided instruction and real-world examples, the course builds confidence and foundational skills to boost productivity and collaboration.
Chelsea King is a learning and development specialist with more than a decade of experience in teaching and training. She began her career as a high school English teacher and now focuses on adult learners, especially in professional development and technology integration. Her approach emphasizes practical, collaborative learning experiences that reflect her commitment to accessible, tech-forward instruction in both educational and corporate settings.
Thursday, 10am – 12pm 6 Sessions
1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26
Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
Min: 5 Max: 25
This course aims to provide a general survey and discussion of Chinese culture and history from ancient times to the 1970s. As opposed to pure lecture, the idea for this class is an open discussion of different texts and themes throughout Chinese history, with a focus on exploring and evaluating a wide variety of interpretations. In this course, students will read the ancient Chinese philosophies, classical poetry, short vernacular fictions, and watch films produced in 1930s Shanghai. Finally, students will read stories and watch films which were popular in 1970s socialist China. The class will be loosely chronological with themes for each class such as gender, literature and art, thinking and philosophy, and China’s interaction with the world as a whole. No Chinese Language or background required. All the readings and lectures will be offered in English.
China: A Cultural Odyssey $150
Qing Ye, Tufts Faculty or Staff Member VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM
Dr. Qing Ye, a Ph.D. in Chinese literature. She is currently a Part-time instructor of Chinese culture in the Department of International Literary & Cultural Studies (ILCS) at Tufts University. Her research areas are gender, sexuality, aesthetics, and philosophy in late imperial Chinese vernacular fictions. She is currently working on a manuscript about the eroticism, body politics, and history in a newly discovered 17th century Chinese vernacular fiction. She also likes to introduce Asian culture to the local communities and teach English
to the community of new immigrants from China. In her casual time, she likes to listen to the music and watch films, and Kung Fu films become one of her favorite genres.
Face It: The Art & Science of Caricature $150
Jacob Shaw, Tufts Faculty or Staff Member, Tufts Alum
Thursday, 7pm – 9pm 6 Sessions
1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26
Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
Min: None Max: 30
Why does caricature work and what makes likeness so elusive to capture? This course will explore the fusion of art and science in the development and application of caricature. Through creative, physiological, and neurological lenses, discussions will range from the use of caricature in bio-facial composites for forensic criminal identification to political caricature, caricature ethics, the science of attractiveness, optical illusions, and more. Students will engage in in-class psychological experiments and hone the art of caricature. There will be sketching assignments, but previous drawing experience, while certainly welcome, is not at all necessary!
Jacob Shaw is a Tufts alumnus who majored in a self-designed interdisciplinary major of Cognitive Science and Applied Linguistics and has two decades of experience and training as a fine artist. He merged his brain science background with a long-held love of the arts to become a leading authority in the field of caricature theory.
In addition to professional commissions, he has lectured extensively on the topic—including through the ExCollege in 2020 and virtually as a graduate— and been invited three times to speak at the International Caricature Conference.
How Fiction Works $150
Randy Cronk, OLLI Member
Thursday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 6 Sessions 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12
Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of Lecture and Discussion
Min: 5 Max: 15
James Wood, Professor of the Practice of Literary Criticism at Harvard, published his landmark text, How Fiction Works (revised in 2018) , in 2008. We will use this book as a framework to explore the key themes underlying major literary movements since the 18th century and the parallel movements in literary criticism. Our focus will be on the techniques authors employ to create stories that readers experience as if they are real. We will then delve beyond Wood’s book to explore neurocognitive research into how fiction affects the brain, particularly the effects that distinguish literary from commercial fiction. Homework will include chapters from Wood’s book, illustrative examples from literary and critical texts, and AI-generated podcasts discussing cited sources. We will then consider assigned topics through in-class lectures and discussions. All to gain a better understanding of how great fiction transcends tidy forms, characters, and morals in search of their opposite: truth.
Randy Cronk is a retired freelance
copywriter and marketing communications executive. He started his career as a technical writer at Digital Equipment Corporation while earning his MBA from Clark University. After Digital he worked for seven years at two public relations firms, Hill and Knowlton and Regis McKenna, where as vice president he had oversight responsibility for the Digital and United Airlines accounts. In 1990 he started his own marketing writing practice, greatwriting. Over the span of 30 years his more than 300 clients included Analog Devices, ARM, Boston Engineering, Cognizant, Digital Equipment, Edgewater Technology, Hubspot, KPMG, Medullan, Smart Bear, Sprint, The Mathworks, and The National Security Agency. Randy’s hobbies include travel, the gym, 60s/70s music, Western literature, and literary criticism.
The Dismal Science – Developing an Economic Mindset $100
Eric Mankin, OLLI Member
Thursday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 4 Sessions 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12
Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
Min: 6 Max: 18
This is the continuation of the course in summer 2024 and the economic world keeps getting more and more interesting. We will apply the principles of economics in addressing current questions, both large and small. We will do so in the spirit of inquiry rather than advocacy, using an economic lens to discuss explanations and make a few predictions. No prior knowledge of economics is required - the course is designed for those who may never have
taken any prior courses in the subject, although I can accommodate those with an economics background as well. Prior participants are welcome to continue with the course. There will be quite a bit of new material. There will be readings before each session. The format of the sessions will be facilitated discussion, seminar-style, so participation is expected.
After getting his PhD from Harvard in business economics in the mid 1980s, Eric Mankin 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 subsequent twenty years, Eric designed and delivered executive education programs, retiring as a Director of Delivery for Harvard Business Publishing’s Corporate Learning group. This will be Eric’s fourth time leading a study group related to economics.
VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM THROUGH OSHER ONLINE
I nvisible Intelligence: The Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life $125
Eliot Bethke, Osher Online
Thursday, 5pm – 6:30pm 6 Sessions 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
Artificial Intelligence (AI) shapes our daily lives in subtle yet powerful ways. In this non-technical course, we will explore six case studies that reveal
how AI systems work, the ethics behind machine decision-making, and the impact of these technologies on our world. We will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s current influence— and the possibilities ahead.
Eliot Bethke is a PhD candidate in computational bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He previously worked in research and development at several Midwest startups, focusing on product design and manufacturing. After running a summer internship program, he shifted his focus to education and now shares his expertise in hardware and software development with future engineers.
John James Audubon and the Birds of America $125
Eric Simon, Osher Online
Thursday, 11am – 12:30pm 6 Sessions 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
In the 1820s, John James Audubon set out to document every bird species in the US, resulting in The Birds of America, a landmark collection of 435 hand-painted prints. This course explores Audubon’s life, artistic methods, and legacy, highlighting how his work bridges art and science. We will examine selected prints and consider his lasting impact on American natural history.
Eric Simon, PhD, is a professor of Biology at New England College and holds a PhD in biochemistry from Harvard University. An avid traveler and award-winning nature photographer, he
leads educational trips to destinations such as Belize, the Galapagos, Tanzania, Cuba, the Amazon River, and Patagonia. Simon is also the author of a best-selling series of college biology textbooks—used in over 40 countries— with more than 2 million copies in print.
Pharmaceuticals and Poisons: Chemistry at the Edge $125
Johnnie Hendrickson, Osher Online
Thursday, 3pm – 4:30pm 6 Sessions
1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/16
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
Some substances heal, others harm— and some do both. This chemistry-rich (but non-technical) course explores the fine line between pharmaceuticals and poisons. We will examine drug development, venom-inspired medicine, and the history of FDA regulation shaped by scandal and reform. From aspirin’s industrial roots to Gila monster hormones, participants will uncover the fascinating, sometimes unsettling chemistry behind what we choose to swallow.
Johnnie Hendrickson, PhD, is a Teaching Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University. He holds a PhD in chemistry and is the author of the textbook Chemistry in the World. His academic work centers on science communication and the reciprocal relationship between science and society.
VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM
E nvironment and Health: Everyday Science for Better Living $150
FRIDAYS
Ting Zhang, Tufts Faculty or Staff Member
Friday, 10am – 12pm 6 Sessions
1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
Min: 5 Max: 20
How does the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the spaces we live in affect our health? This course introduces key ideas in environmental health through everyday examples, from household air quality to neighborhood green space. Each session combines simple science, real-life case studies, and group discussion. No background knowledge is required—just curiosity and an interest in connecting science with daily life. By the end of the course, participants will gain practical insights into how the environment shapes wellbeing and what small changes can make a difference.
Dr. Ting Zhang is a Postdoctoral Scholar in Environmental Health at Tufts University, where her research focuses on air pollution, climate change, and brain health. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Dr. Zhang has a particular interest in connecting scientific research with everyday life, and her courses are designed to encourage interactive learning and practical engagement.
Thai Cooking $75
Sara Miller, Tufts Alum
Friday, 6:30pm – 8:30pm 3 Sessions
1/30, 2/6, 2/13
Somewhat Interactive - A Mixture of
Lecture and Discussion
Min: 5 Max: 19
Learn the basics of Thai cooking! In this virtual course, we’ll explore the flavors and ingredients of Thai food, as well as where to find them in the U.S. We will then learn to cook classic Thai dishes.
Sara Miller is an alumni of The Fletcher School and currently a humanitarian worker. Her career has taken her all over the world where her favorite thing to do is eat and learn about food.
More Thinking Outside of the Box:
Site-Specific Contemporary Art $150 Kendall Murphy, Tufts Graduate Student
Friday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 6 Sessions
1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Highly Interactive - Lots of Discussion
Min: None Max: 15
This course will explore site-specific artwork, with an emphasis on contemporary projects and debates. We will discuss the many forms sitespecific art can take, such as sculpture, monuments, land art, and conceptual artwork. Class will require participation and be centered on discussion. With an emphasis on visual analysis, we will take a look at how art can respond to a place. We will learn about early forms of site-specific art, which includes performance art of the 1960s and gallery-defying works of the 1970s. We will discuss different forms of land art in-depth, looking at well known works such as Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty. This will include a discussion around new earthworks and current evolving debates around land art. By the end of the course, students will have gained
new perspectives on artwork that is outside of the “white-cube” museum space.
Kendall Murphy is a 2nd year MA student in the Art History department at Tufts with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2026. She is originally from Oakland, CA, but lived in Minneapolis, MN for two years before beginning her MA degree in Art History at Tufts. She did her undergraduate work at UC Santa Barbara, where she double majored in Global Studies and Art History with an emphasis on Museum Studies. She has previously worked as an intern in several museums, including the Art, Design, and Architecture Museum and the de Young Museum. While at Tufts, she previously worked in the archives of Harvard’s Special Collections and she held an internship at the Ellsworth Kelly Studio. She is currently the Tufts University Art Galleries Curatorial Fellow. Her research centers on site-specific contemporary art, with a focus on public sculpture.
Yoga Nidra (Sleep Yoga Guided Meditation) $75
Yolanta Kovalko, Retired Tufts Faculty or Staff Member
Friday, 4pm – 5pm 6 Sessions 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 12
In this class, Yolanta, a Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health certified yoga teacher and meditation practitioner, 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 Intuitive/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 has been teaching for OLLI since fall 2018 and is thrilled to be part of their team of group leaders! By day, she is the Department Administrator for the Tufts Community Health Department. She is a certified yoga and meditation teacher and has taught yoga and meditation in her Somerville studio, Ball Square Yoga, for the last 5 years. She has been practicing yoga for the last 15 years. In addition to being certified in Hatha Yoga and Chair Yoga, she is also certified as a Guided Meditation teacher with a specialization in Yoga Nidra (Sleep Yoga), a form of meditation grounded in yogic.
VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM THROUGH OSHER ONLINE
How the U.S. Immigration System (Usually) Works $125
Michele Waslin, Osher Online
Friday, 11am – 12:30pm 6 Sessions 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: Immigration has always been a complex
and emotional issue in US history. This course explores how the immigration system has evolved and how it works today. We will examine key questions about identity, belonging, and national responsibility while engaging in thoughtful, constructive conversations about the future of immigration policy in the United States.
Michele Waslin, PhD, is Assistant Director of the Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. She develops research initiatives, educational resources, and public programs focused on global migration, race, and ethnicity. Waslin brings extensive experience in immigration policy and public scholarship, helping connect academic research with broader conversations on migration in the United States and beyond.
The American Revolution Beyond the British Empire $125
Rick Bell, Osher Online
Saturday, 1pm – 2:30pm 6 Sessions 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21
Minimally Interactive - Mostly Lecture
Min: None Max: 13
This course reframes the American Revolution as a global event shaped by imperial rivalries and geopolitical forces. Each session focuses on a different group—Germans, French, Spaniards, South Asians, and others—revealing how their experiences intersected with the collapse of British rule in North America. By viewing the Revolution through a global lens, participants will uncover new perspectives on its causes, course,
and consequences.
Richard Bell, PhD, is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of Stolen, a finalist for the George Washington and Harriet Tubman Prizes. A National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholar and Carnegie Fellow, he has held fellowships at Yale and Cambridge. His latest book, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World, was published in 2025.
OLLI EVENTS
Keep an eye on our Weekly Newsletter for additional events and day trips!
Exclusive to Members
The following events are a benefit of a Tufts OLLI membership. Links to RSVP will be shared with current Tufts OLLI members in our weekly newsletter.
Tufts OLLI and the National Digital Equity Center
Friday, December 5 at 12:15pm | Virtually on Zoom
Join this lecture to learn more about the mission of the National Digital Equity Center, the important resources they provide, and how our Tufts OLLI members can access them!
Tufts OLLI Presents
OLLI at Night: David Misch Presents ‘Comedy vs. the Apocalypse’
Thursday, January 15 at 7pm | Virtually on Zoom
Nowadays everyone’s inbox is filled with memes, cartoons, and jokes about our continuing political, economic, and environmental disasters. And even though each joke is another reminder of a horrible situation, we laugh. Why?
Because we have to; laughter is critical in terrible times because it reminds us we can still feel joy, and that the purpose of life is to do more than just survive. No matter the circumstances, people always crave what author Phillip Pullman calls “the value of simple delight” looks at how comedy fights despair with a different kind of distancing: lightening frightening things by making them seem ridiculous. And laughter’s benefits are more than just psychological; physicians have long known that humor has real health effects. And not just doctors: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” says no less an authority than God.
Tufts OLLI Travel
Looking to step beyond the classroom and explore our local New England area? Tufts OLLI offers two unique travel programs to current members, OLLI on the Road and OLLI on Foot.
OLLI on Foot
OLLI on Foot is a program offered by members, for members. These excursions are entirely run and organized by member volunteers, and will provide our community opportunities to explore areas and organizations in our own backyard. A huge ‘Thank You’ to all of our volunteer organizers!
Members participating in each experience will be required to provide their own transportation and pay any needed fees out of pocket on the day of the excursion. Additional information about each trip and links to register will be shared via email.
Boston Public Library Newsfeed Cafe
Friday, December 12 at 11am
We will meet at the Newsfeed Cafe to watch the live broadcast of WGBH’s Jim Braude and Margery Eagan Program, which airs at the Boston Public Library’s Live Studio from 11am –2pm daily. Jim and Margery have local leaders and guests which makes for interesting—and at times very funny—repartee both between Jim and Margery and with their guests. On Fridays, they have a musical guest as well. We will order lunch from the Newsfeed Cafe while we are there.
At 1pm, we will have a self-guided tour of the Boston Public Library. This tour will take about 45 minutes. Details to follow on the tour.
After we complete the tour, Tufts OLLI members are free to do some holiday shopping on their own in Copley Square, at the Prudential Center, or Copley Place.
The Boston Public Library is easily accessible on the Green Line of the T at the Copley Station.
Propose A Course!
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 instructing 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 class 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 of 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 class as a thank you for being a class instructor.
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 olli.tufts.edu and the ‘Courses & Activities’ tab to propose a course today!
Spring 2026 (March 16 – May 8)
In-Person and Virtually on Zoom
Summer 2026 (June 1 – June 26)
In-Person and Virtually on Zoom
Course Proposal Submission Deadline: November 9, 2025
Course Proposal Submission Deadline: March 8, 2026
About Osher Online
Beginning Summer 2025, 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. Please note that as these courses are offered nationally, there will be far more students enrolled than in a usual Tufts OLLI course.
Each 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.
Before Your First Class!
Once you register for any Osher Online course, we strongly encourage you to attend their orientation session. 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!
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.
AT A GLANCE
MONDAY
American Top Ten: The Legacy of Exclusion Virtually on Zoom
Edward J. Ingebretsen | Monday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm (1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23)
An Unfinished Story: The Best Short Stories of O. Henry Virtually on Zoom
Petra Bittner | Monday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm (1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23)
Brain and Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online
Elena Labkovsky | Monday, 11am – 12:30pm (1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2)
Pet Portrait Photography Virtually on Zoom
Steve McGrath | Monday, 7:30pm – 9pm (2/9, 2/23, 3/1)
Post Impressionism and the Birth of Abstraction Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online
Lauren Weingarden | Monday, 5pm – 6:30pm (1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2)
Towards a Free Revolutionary Art: Frida Kahlo and the International Leftist Movement Virtually on Zoom Hailey Neaman | Monday, 10am – 12pm (1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23)
TUESDAY
Einstein Without Tears: His Theories Explained Without Math and In Everyday Language Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online Andrew Fraknoi | Tuesday, 5pm – 6:30pm (1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3)
Japanese History Through the Lens of Shogun Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online
Megan McClory | Tuesday, 7pm – 8:30pm (1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24)
Legends of the Loch: Mythical Creatures of Scotland Virtually on Zoom
Callan B. Moody | Tuesday, 10am – 11am (1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10)
More than Parks: A History of American Conservation Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online
Fraser Livingston | Tuesday, 1pm – 2:30pm (1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24)
Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) Virtually on Zoom
Paula McCree | Tuesday, 10am – 12pm (1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10)
The Theater of Infertility Virtually on Zoom
Josh Platt | Tuesday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm (2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10)
WEDNESDAY
Hidden Voices: An Exploration of Women’s Contributions to Early Music & the Development of the Modern Mixed Chorus Virtually on Zoom Laura Prichard | Wednesday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm (1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25)
Two Novels by Marcel Pagnol Virtually on Zoom
Emese Soos | Wednesday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm (1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11)
The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online Mike Agron | Wednesday, 5pm – 6:30pm (1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18)
Using Google Workspace Tools with Confidence Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online
Chelsea King | Wednesday, 7pm – 8:30pm (1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25)
THURSDAY
China: A Cultural Odyssey Virtually on Zoom
Qing Ye | Thursday, 10am – 12pm (1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26)
Face It: The Art & Science of Caricature Virtually on Zoom
Jacob Shaw | Thursday, 7pm – 9pm (1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26)
How Fiction Works Virtually on Zoom
Randy Cronk | Thursday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm (2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12)
Invisible Intelligence: The Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online Eliot Bethke | Thursday, 5pm – 6:30pm (1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19)
John James Audubon and the Birds of America Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online
Eric Simon | Thursday, 11am – 12:30pm (1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26)
Pharmaceuticals and Poisons: Chemistry at the Edge Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online
Johnnie Hendrickson | Thursday, 3pm – 4:30pm (1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/16)
The Dismal Science – Developing an Economic Mindset Virtually on Zoom
Eric Mankin | Thursday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm (1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12)
FRIDAY
Environment and Health: Everyday Science for Better Living Virtually on Zoom
Ting Zhang | Friday, 10am – 12pm (1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27)
How the U.S. Immigration System (Usually) Works Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online
Michele Waslin | Friday, 11am – 12:30pm (1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20)
Thai Cooking Virtually on Zoom
Sara Miller | Friday, 6:30pm – 8:30pm (1/30, 2/6, 2/13)
More Thinking Outside of the Box: Site-Specific Contemporary Art Virtually on Zoom
Kendall Murphy | Friday, 1:30pm – 3:30pm (1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27)
Yoga Nidra (Sleep Yoga Guided Meditation) Virtually on Zoom
Yolanta Kovalko | Friday, 4pm – 5pm (1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27)
SATURDAY
The American Revolution Beyond the British Empire Virtually on Zoom through Osher Online
Rick Bell | Saturday, 1pm – 2:30pm (1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21)
Winter 2026 Registration Schedule
• Winter 2026 registration opens Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Add/Drop period: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – Monday, January 12, 2026
• Courses begin January 20, 2026. Some Osher Online courses begin Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Tufts University
Phone: (617) 627-5699
Email: OsherLLI@tufts.edu
Web: olli.tufts.edu
80 George Street Medford, MA 02155
LUNCH AND LEARN TALKS
The Underground Schools
the
Our Stories: The Enduring Legacy of Black Women in Boston and The League of Women for Community Service
21 Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: One Year of Dramatic Climate Impacts on One Urban Block Michael Tidwell, Author, Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Spell Freedom:
that Built
Civil Rights Movement Elaine Weiss, Awardwinning Journalist, Author of Narrative History
Wait! I Can’t Give That to My Dog? Dr. Alistair Cribb, Dean & Henry and Lois Foster Professor, Cummings Veterinary School, Tufts University
Preserving
Kaliman Redd Knight, Senior Deputy Director, Media Relations, Tufts University 18 Jim Henson: Master Muppeteer Frank Mandosa, English & Film Studies Teacher, Film Lecturer, Film Podcaster
The Women of Arlington Hall Jane Healey, Historical Fiction Author, Host, Historical Happy Hour podcast 4 New England Wildflowers Lecture - Part 1: Wildflowers mid-March through May Bill Gette, Mass Audubon, Founder, Director (retired), Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, Travel Leader, Photographer
Lessons for America From Around the Globe Natasha Hakimi Zapata, Award-winning Journalist, Translator, University Lecturer