OLLI Osher Brochure Fall 2023

Schedule of Courses & Events Fall 2023

How to find us…

HUCLA EXTENSION GAYLEY CENTER

1145 Gayley Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024

OLLI Office: Suite 120

HOLLI lounge & classrooms located on the first floor.

In Westwood, a variety of public parking lots and metered parking is available throughout the village. Please expect daily parking costs to range from $3–$22 depending on time and day. For additional parking options in Westwood, go to www.uclaextension.edu/oshermap.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UCLA

No tests. No grades. Just learning for the sheer joy of learning.

OLLI at UCLA provides a unique opportunity for individuals age 50+ to engage in an extensive program of noncredit courses and special programs amongst a dynamic community of lifelong learners.

OLLI at UCLA membership gives you access to:

• A dynamic offering of non-credit courses

• Free events exclusively for members

• Leadership & volunteer opportunities

• Discounts to select UCLA events

• Discounts with select retailers in Westwood

• OLLI member lounge in Westwood

Renew or join OLLI at UCLA today!

OLLI at UCLA membership begins the quarter you join and lasts for one full year.

Choose from two tiers of membership:

Basic Membership – $50/year

Basic members enroll at regular course fees.

Plus Membership – $295/year

Plus members enroll at significantly reduced course fees.

To enroll in courses and become a member, visit uclaextension.edu/olli.

Table of Contents

TASTE OF OSHER, page 6

SPECIAL PROGRAMS, page 12

LECTURE COURSES, page 16

DISCUSSION GROUPS, page 24

FOREIGN LANGUAGES, page 29

CREATIVITY, GAMES & MOVEMENT, page 31

LEADERSHIP & VOLUNTEER

OPPORTUNITIES, page 36

GIVING, page 37

INSTRUCTORS, page 38

GENERAL INFORMATION AND POLICIES, page 42

OLLI MEMBERSHIP & ENROLLMENT FORM, page 43

OLLI at UCLA Fall 2023 Offerings

Taste of Osher

No membership required. These two-hour seminars offer a "taste" of the programming we offer throughout the year. Taste of Osher courses are open to nonmembers and members alike, and are just $15 each, unless otherwise noted. OLLI Plus members can enroll at no cost. No refunds allowed.

Qigong: Its Origins, Practices, and Philosophy {New Course}

Tuesday, September 26, 1–3pm

As China rose to be one of the superpowers of the ancient world, its indigenous health care system effectively took care of China's population's health. Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. Qigong contributed to the longevity and good health of its citizens in ancient times and is still integral to the good health broadly enjoyed today. In this course, we explore Qigong's history, philosophical origins, and powerful practices from its mandated use issued by the Yellow Emperor in 2000–2500 BC to the modern practices in traditional Chinese medicine today.

REG# 393650 | INSTRUCTOR: Samuel Barnes

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119A.

Ligaments Quietly Holding You Together, Until They Don’t {New Course}

Wednesday, September 27, 10am–12pm

Ligaments are tough fibrous bands spanning from bone to bone and affording differing degrees of joint mobility and stability. Without them, muscle contractions would be wasted on an entirely wobbly skeleton. We may recognize ligaments only when a failure occurs, which may manifest as a frozen shoulder, wrist sprain, torn knee ligament, plantar fasciitis, or bunion. In this course, we explore some of our ligaments, followed by the rich history of their discovery and description from ancient civilizations to the present. We look at how ligament size, configuration, and stretch resistance controls both stability and motion, examining how the molecular and microscopic nature of ligaments achieves these feats. We examine commonly encountered ligament disorders, how they might be prevented, the treatments available, and the prospects for artificial replacements. We also celebrate the extraordinary ligaments that were responsible for Paganini’s virtuosity, which allow gymnasts to dazzle us with their amazing flexibility and control.

REG# 393772 | INSTRUCTOR: Roy Meals

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 113.

Tai Chi: Its Ancient History, Philosophy, and Movements {New Course}

Thursday, September 28, 1–3pm

Tai chi, best known in China as tai chi chuan, translates to "grand supreme fist" because it is a powerful martial art that focuses on the natural internal energy of the body or qi. It is also considered a qigong but with a martial emphasis. Nowadays, millions of people practice tai chi every day to build balance, boost the immune system, and calm the mind. In this course, we explore tai chi’s philosophical roots, ancient history, as well as the culture that built and nurtured it into the popular health practice it is around the world today.

REG# 393651 | INSTRUCTOR: Samuel Barnes

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119A.

The Musée d'Orsay {New Course}

Wednesday, October 4, 10am–12pm

A former Beaux-Arts train station, the Musée d'Orsay was opened as a museum in 1986. Featuring mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, it holds the largest collection of Impressionist paintings by Monet, Manet, Pissarro , Morisot, and Renoir. In this course, we explore the history of the building and the collection, as well the major highlights of the 3000 art pieces on display.

This course uses the Hybrid (Flexible) format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to the video for 30 days.

REG# 393742 | INSTRUCTOR: Katherine Zoraster

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 121C.

Journalist Philip Bump Discusses The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America

Tuesday, October 24, 1–3pm

The roughly 76 million baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 have reshaped American society at each stage of their lives. In the book, The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America, author Philip Bump takes a deep dive into what the end of the baby boom means for American politics and economics. Join The Washington Post columnist as he recounts the unprecedented cultural and political impact of boomers and how subsequent generations are making sense of their legacy.

This course will be recorded. Enrolled students will have access to the video for 30 days.

FEE: Free for all. OLLI membership is not required

REG# 394013 | INSTRUCTOR: Philip Bump

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

The Birth of Film Noir {New Course}

Saturday, October 28, 10am–12pm

Post World War II, America's mood turned increasingly dark, leading to the growing popularity of filmmaking called film noir. Featuring elements such as fatalism, brooding lighting, cynical heroes, and duplicitous females, the genre captured growing disenchantment in cultural norms. In this course, we discuss what comprises film noir, from stylistic touches to conflicted stories and characters through such films as The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity, The Killers, and White Heat.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to the video for 30 days.

REG# 393558 | INSTRUCTOR: Mary Mallory

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 10920 Lindbrook Dr., Room 201.

Early Silent Film Pioneers {New Course}

Saturday, November 18, 10am–12pm

The fledgling early silent film industry offered opportunity and power to men often marginalized on and offscreen. In this course, we look at the c ontribution and influence of notable men like Noble Johnson—the first African American producer, G.M. "Broncho Billy" Anderson—the first Jewish cowboy, and Sessue Hayakawa—one of the screen's first Asian heartthrobs.

REG# 393563 | INSTRUCTOR: Mary Mallory

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 10920 Lindbrook Dr., Room 201.

Let's Talk Chocolate: Tasting and Buying

Saturday, December 2, 10am–12pm

As the world’s most craved food, chocolate makes an ideal holiday gift. However, you may think you are buying quality when you are actually buying a confection loaded with sugar. In this course, we learn how to make sophisticated choices and distinguish the difference between craft chocolates versus mass manufactured chocolates. We taste

seven different chocolates and learn how a particular cacao’s origin and production affect a bar’s flavor.  A chocolate maker will speak to the class, and we will review other area chocolate makers.

REG# 393302 | INSTRUCTOR: Lee Theisen

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 10920 Lindbrook Dr., Room 214.

Rome's Five Good Emperors {New Course}

Monday, December 4, 10am–12pm

Many historians have called the reigns of Rome's Five Good Emperors (96-180AD) the age when Rome reached its peak of power and prosperity. In this course, we examine how this period was more complicated than is often remembered. It was both a time of prosperity and a time of plague, war, and serious economic challenges. The good emperors are remembered so fondly, not because they presided over a time of leisure, but because their leadership successfully brought Rome through multiple crises.

This course will be recorded. Enrolled students will have access to the video for 30 days.

REG# 393841 | INSTRUCTOR: Edward Watts

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Yiddish Bingo

Tuesday, December 5, 1-3pm

Yiddish is a uniquely descriptive, expressive, fun, and amusing language. In this course, we use Yiddish words and expressions to play the board game Bingo.

REG# 393770 | INSTRUCTOR: Marganit Lish

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119B.

Willa Cather: An American Story {New Course}

Thursday, December 7, 10am–12pm

This December 7, we celebrate Willa Cather’s 150th birthday. Her story is one defined by a lifetime of determination, struggle, and gradual emergence. The writer, who emerged at the forefront of American letters with O Pioneers! (1913), The Song of the Lark (1915), and My Antonia (1918); was already well into middle-age. This introduction to one of the most widely read novelists of the early twentieth century will explore her turbulent biography and uniquely American voice. Sprinkled into the lecture: readings of Cather’s work, performed by two professional actors, including letters to Alfred Knopf, her publisher, and Edith Lewis, Cather’s domestic partner of nearly 40 years.

REG# 393555 | INSTRUCTOR: Peter Cipkowski

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 114.

Los Angeles in the 1940s: War, Peace, and Prosperity {New Course}

Tuesday, December 12, 1–3pm

World War II led to a population explosion in Los Angeles. During the 1940s, workers flocked to the shipyards and aircraft factories to support the war effort; many came with their families and never left. Jewish and artistic German emigres who fled Nazi Germany contributed to the city’s cultural landscape. Mexican American guest workers and African American enlisted men who chose to stay faced racism. In this course, we explore the impact of the war, the influx of new groups of people, and the post-war prosperity on Los Angeles. Events covered include the rumored Battle of Los Angeles, the Zoot Suit Riots, the unsolved Black Dahlia murder, and the city’s first smog alert. We look at the California style of architecture, which developed with the spread of housing developments, and we view clips from the best movies Hollywood made in this decade—including the 1942 classic Casablanca and the 1944 crime film noir Double Indemnity.

This course uses the Hybrid (Flexible) format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393949 | INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Boorstin

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119.

The Fire of Frederick Douglass {New Course}

Wednesday, December 13, 1–3pm

Frederick Douglass was a visionary—a prophet who could see a better future that lay just beyond reach. His talents were nothing short of extraordinary and he put his exceptional gifts to use in the service of freedom, driving American slavery into the grave. In this course, we explore the complexity of his life, family, and career, and consider his impact upon our modern struggle to advance the cause of black freedom in the United States.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 394038 | INSTRUCTOR: Richard Bell

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Special Programs

FALL 2023 SCHEDULE

These events, courses, and other unique offerings are available exclusively to OLLI at UCLA members as part of their membership benefits. All special programs are offered at no cost to members. Registration is required.

Special programs are scheduled on an ongoing basis. Please check our website, uclaextension.edu/olli-course-schedule for any updates.

OLLI Video Library {Fall 2023 Access}

OLLI at UCLA members who enroll into this course receive access to a selection of past program recordings in their Canvas student portal. Enjoy over 50 recordings of one-day lectures, virtual tours, guest speaker interviews, 'Beyond the Headlines' speaker series, and more! Re-enroll each quarter to continue your access and take advantage of this valuable membership perk! New videos are added every quarter.

REG# 394241 | Once enrolled, wait 24 hours then log into Canvas: my.uclaextension.edu

The Power and Practice of Public Service {New Course}

2 Tuesdays, September 26 & October 10, 10am–12pm

Adults 50 and older make up the nation’s largest demographic for voluntary activity. This infusion of expertise, time, and support in our communities promotes inter-generational understanding, builds peer relationships, and strengthens resource-limited non-profit organizations. In this course, we review the history of older adult engagement in volunteer activity, the various secular and religious traditions of service, and the evolution of legal and policy contexts for public service. We discuss practical service opportunities, the structure and needs of non-profit organizations, and the major controversies and debates in the field. We also review case studies of best practices encouraging justice, sustainability, and effectiveness. Group discussion is designed to help participants maximize their impact and sense of purpose in the specific organizations and communities where they serve.

REG# 394154 | INSTRUCTORS: Stephen Mucher & Jeffrey Bouman

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119.

Fall Kickoff {New Event}

Thursday, September 28, 1–2pm

Join us for a free lunch to kick off fall quarter! Socialize with your fellow OLLI members and meet OLLI director, Stephen Mucher.

REG# 394727 | INSTRUCTOR: OLLI Staff

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Lounge & Room 119B.

Acting the Shakespearean Monologue

5 Thursdays, September 28–November 2 (no meeting Oct. 26), 10am–12pm

Some of the most compelling dramatic moments in Shakespeare’s plays are found in his characters' monologues. Some are spoken directly to the audience while others express a character’s thoughts and feelings through a stream of consciousness talk with themselves. Shakespeare uses this dramatic device throughout all his plays—both comedic and tragic—allowing us to see deeply into the minds and hearts of his vividly human characters. Often these soliloquies reveal a character attempting to resolve an agonizing inner conflict. (“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”) In this course, we study, practice, and learn how to bring some of Shakespeare’s most powerful monologues to life and act them with the full power and beauty they possess. This course is open to everyone regardless of prior acting experience. Please bring a monologue that interests you to the first class. There are many sites online where you can find both humorous and serious monologues from Shakespeare’s plays.

REG# 393355 | INSTRUCTOR: Steven Moore

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 111.

The

Political Power of Baby Boom America: Discussing Philip Bump’s The Aftermath {New Course}

3 Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 31, 1–3pm

Join a structured discussion examining The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America, Philip Bump’s sweeping assessment of how the baby boom created modern America, and where power, wealth, and politics will shift as the boom ends. Participants should read the book in advance and expect a deep dive into the author’s data and claims. Course dates are coordinated in anticipation of Bump’s public book talk on Tuesday, October 24, 1–3pm.

REG# 394139 | INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Mucher

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 114.

OLLI Movie Club

3 Wednesdays, October 4, November 1, December 6, 3:30–4:30pm

The OLLI at UCLA Movie Club is centered around watching quality, modern films and having a discussion afterwards. The facilitator will select films that are available on Netflix; members should screen the film at home before meeting with the group on Zoom. Discussions center around story, symbolism, cinematography, presentation, and of course—our personal reactions to the film. Films are announced one week before each meeting. Enroll anytime throughout the quarter to join in on the fun!

REG# 394230 | INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Boorstin

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

How to Think about AI {New Course}

2 Thursdays, October 12–19, 1–3pm

The introduction of Chat GPT in late 2022 has spurred a dramatic increase in public awareness about the power and potential dangers of generative artificial intelligence. In this course, we explore this emerging technology, and discuss issues it raises for humanists as well as the role machine learning will play in our culture, politics, and relationships.

REG# 393573 | INSTRUCTOR: Peter Cipkowski

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 112.

UCLA Tour: Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Thursday, October 19, 11am–12pm

Join us for a walking tour of the UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, exclusively for OLLI at UCLA members. Explore a living museum that is home to unique collections of plants from around the world! Learn about the diverse plants and animals that live in this urban oasis, as well as its history and future plans. The tour lasts approximately one hour, and picnic tables are available to enjoy lunch afterwards. Trails are unpaved decomposed granite and not suggested for wheelchairs. We meet at the UCLA La Kretz Garden Pavilion. Please plan to arrive early so you have time to locate us and use the restrooms.

REG# 394369 | INSTRUCTOR: Botanical Garden Staff

IN-PERSON: UCLA Botanical Garden (on campus). Details provided two days before.

OLLI Holiday Party

Thursday, December 7, 12–2pm

Join us for our OLLI Holiday Lunch! Tis the season—to feast, repose, and fraternize with your fellow OLLI members at a festive offering just for OLLI@UCLA members. There will be food, prizes, and entertainment.

REG# 393774 | INSTRUCTOR: OLLI Staff

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 121.

Lecture Courses

FALL 2023 SCHEDULE

Lecture courses are taught by the high-caliber instructors and guest speakers for which UCLA is world-renowned. OLLI membership is required to enroll in these courses.

Beyond the Headlines

8 Tuesdays, September 26–November 14, 10:30am–12pm

Pulled from today’s headlines, this exclusive speaker series offers an in-depth analysis of significant contemporary issues. Each week, an expert from the political, social, technological, or economic spectrum provides a 1-hour lecture focused on a major global, national, or local issue.  Afterwards, students participate in a 30-minute Q&A session with the speaker.  A list of speakers for this term will be available online approximately one month before the course begins.

This course uses the Hybrid (Flexible) format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. Speakers will be in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393560 | INSTRUCTOR: Jim Aldinger

FEE: $150 for all members

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 121CDE

American Art Before and After the 1913 Armory Show

6 Tuesdays, September 26–October 31, 1–3pm

The Armory Show of 1913 is considered the most important art exhibition in the history of the United States because it instigated a transformative shift from a conservative and realistic style to modernism. In this course, we begin our exploration of art in America with the foundation of its first art school, The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), founded in 1805. PAFA students included Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and the artists who would become the Ash Can School. We then focus on the Armory Show’s pinnacle exhibition and formation and continue with the immediate shift in style in the years following with the impact of the introduction of the European avant-garde, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Duchamp.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393697 | INSTRUCTOR : Katherine Zoraster

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $115 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $34

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

The Artists of Montmartre {New Course}

6 Wednesdays, September 27–November 1, 1–3pm

Beginning in the mid-1800s, artists began to proliferate in Montmartre, the recently annexed hill on the outskirts of Paris. With its inexpensive rent, Montmartre soon became a mecca for cafes, nightclubs like the Moulin Rouge and the Cirque Fernando, revolutionary ideals, and artists. In this course, we explore those artists, including Edgard Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, as well as other artists of the late 19th and early 20th century including Vincent van Gogh, Suzanne Valadon, and Pablo Picasso.

This course uses the Hybrid (Flexible) format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393698 | INSTRUCTOR: Katherine Zoraster

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $115 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $34

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 121C.

Six Female Characters in Search of an Identity {New Course}

6 Wednesdays, September 27–November 1, 1–3:30pm

Despite remarkable attempts to shift the debate towards issues of gaze and optical point of view, feminist interpretations of women in film are too often framed around issues of character behavior and whether they conform or react to the social restrictions of their times. The films chosen for this class escape such interpretation, as they present strong and rebellious protagonists who hardly fit the definition of a feminist heroine. Some protagonists do their best to protect their family (The Reckless Moment), while others try to survive without one (Nights of Cabiria) or resort to violence to protect an innocent child (Gloria). Some refuse the roles assigned by men (Don't Worry Darling) while others accept or even embrace such roles (Moonstruck, The Queen of Versailles) in a sincere attempt to find true happiness. All characters refuse to be placed into easily identifiable categories or to be defined by the way we want to look at them—exactly like the actresses who play them (Joan Bennett, Giulietta Masina, Gena Rowlands, Cher, and Florence Pugh).

REG# 393293 | INSTRUCTOR: Alex Pirolini

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $130 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $39

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 114.

Cosmology, Astronomy, and Space Exploration in the News

8 Wednesdays, September 27–November 15, 6:30–8:30pm

Due to advances in technology, what we thought we knew about the fundamentals of cosmology, astronomy, and space exploration is evolving almost daily. In this course, we explore the latest concepts, news, and discoveries regarding multiverses, gravitational waves, black holes, neutron stars, exoplanets, and the beginning of our universe. We also follow the progress of NASA's and ESA's missions to the moon, Mars, and Europa—Jupiter's ice-covered moon, and more.

REG# 393296 | INSTRUCTOR: Shelley Bonus

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $135 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Mel Brooks {New Course}

5 Thursdays, September 28–October 26, 10am–12pm

Mel Brooks is a one-man comic who wrote, produced, directed, and starred in some of the most uproarious film and television comedies of the 1960s and 1970s. In this course, we review the highlights of his career, from his dialogues with Carl Reiner as The 2000 Year Old Man to the Broadway production of The Producers, Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, and History of the World Part 1. We also learn films' production backstories, including the reasons why Richard Pryor did not play the lead role in Blazing Saddles, and who Madeline Kahn was really parodying with the character of Lili Von Shtupp. Since Mel Brooks leaned heavily on referential humor, we also view short clips of the original Frankenstein and Marlene Dietrich from The Blue Angel. Famous skits, including “The Inquisition,” “Jews in Space,” and “Hitler on Ice” also make short appearances.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393619 | INSTRUCTOR: Martin Marshall

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $105 | PLUS MEMBER FEE : $31

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Hinduism

6 Thursdays, September 28–November 2, 1–3pm

Over one billion people around the world practice a form of Hinduism. In this course, we focus on the concepts and terms of Hinduism—such as yoga, sacrifice, reincarnation, and karma—from the earliest civilization on the Indian subcontinent through modern times and the diaspora. The emphasis of our discussion centers on understanding the authentic developments in the history of Hinduism and India. We listen to readings from important texts and discuss ancient and contemporary customs and rituals. While no reading is required, suggestions of primary and secondary materials, widely available novels, and films will be provided.

This course uses the Hybrid (Flexible) format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 394585 | INSTRUCTOR: Phyllis Herman

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $115 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $34

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 121B.

Great Pianists of Classical Music {New Course}

8 Fridays, September 29–December 1 (no meeting Nov. 10 & 24), 10am–12pm

The piano was invented in 1700 by a harpsichord maker named Bartolomeo Cristofori, and by the last quarter of the 18th century had become a leading and timeless instrument within the classical music tradition. While there have been countless sonatas, suites, preludes, etudes, and concertos composed for the piano, pianists have had a very important role in shaping the traditions we hear from generation to generation. As time passes, performance traditions and values vary and change from artist to artist. In this course, we explore the performances of great pianists throughout history beginning with what some have described as the golden age of piano playing. We also explore the many famous recordings of pianists playing from the acoustic era to the present day.  This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393622 | INSTRUCTOR: Ryan Shiotsuki

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $135 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

The Life and Works of Johann Sebastian Bach {New Course}

8 Fridays, September 29–December 1 (no meeting Nov. 10 & 24), 1–3pm

J.S. Bach (1685–1750), a German composer of the Baroque period, composed in many established musical forms, such as the cantata and fugue, and developed them into complex and sublime pieces. His music is notable for its counterpoint compositional style and emotional expressiveness. This course explores Bach's life and works within the cultural and historical context of the 17th and 18th centuries in order to understand his music and the world in which it was conceived. In addition, we examine how Bach has come to hold a prominent and permanent place in our cultural milieu.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393514 | INSTRUCTOR: Ryan Shiotsuki

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $135 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Coming to Terms with the Holocaust, Part 3: Nazis, Propaganda, and the Jews

6 Mondays, October 2–November 6, 10am–12pm

In 1933, Jews represented less than 1% of Germany's population. And yet, Hitler, Goebbels, and the Nazi propaganda machine persuaded educated, civilized Germans that this valuable, productive minority was an insidious and deadly bacillus threatening the life of their nation. In this course, we examine Nazi speeches, newspapers, books, posters, films—and the response of Germany's Jewish community—to discover how the Nazis turned the hearts, minds, and very language of the German people against the Jews.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393292 | INSTRUCTOR: Steve Sohmer

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $115 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $34

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

The History of Doo-Wop

6 Mondays, October 2–November 6, 10am–12pm

Doo-wop was the most popular black music style in the 1950s. Its origins go back as far as the 1930s with male gospel quartets and vocal groups like the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots. The use of nonsense syllables sung by background singers such as shoo bee doo wop bah dah, the use of a falsetto voice above the melody, and a pronounced bass voice became the basis of this genre. In this course, we trace its development beginning in the 1950s with the Ravens, The Spaniels, The Cadillacs, and Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers. This is followed by Dion and the Belmonts, the Penguins, and the Skyliners through the late 1950's and early 1960's. We also look at influential disc jockeys and record promoters who made these sounds mainstream.

REG# 393513 | INSTRUCTOR: Marvin Rosenberg

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $115 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $34

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 114.

Ukraine at War {New Course}

6 Wednesdays, October 2–November 13 (no meeting Oct. 23), 1–3pm

Since Vladimir Putin ordered his tanks across the Ukrainian frontier in February 2022, little has gone to plan. Russia’s blitzkrieg failed and the conflict became bogged down in months of grinding stalemate before Ukraine launched successful counter-offensives in the east and south. In this course, we explore the origins of the conflict including a glimpse into Russian history, the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe more than 30 years ago, and the heroism of the Ukrainian people. This course uses the Hybrid (Flexible) format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393556 | INSTRUCTOR: Peter Cipkowski

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $115 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $34

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119.

2024 Election Preview {New Course}

6 Thursdays, October 5–November 9, 1–2:30pm

The 2024 United States elections not only determine the presidency, but all 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate, as well as state legislative races and ballot measures. In this course, we look at the expected competitive elections for 2024, including the presidential election, the March California primary, the California U.S. Senate race to replace Senator Feinstein, the impact of the Trump investigations, the impact of abortion on elections, the important propositions on the California ballot, and other issues that will affect the election. Each class meeting features a guest speaker as well as a discussion of the events of the day.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393339 | INSTRUCTOR: Bob Stern

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $105 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $31

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

The Blues: How Three-Chords Became Rock 'n Roll

8 Wednesdays, Oct 18–Dec 13 (no meeting Nov. 22), 1–3pm

Rock ‘n’ roll exists because of the blues. Songs sung by enslaved Africans in the southern U.S. became gospel music, the acoustic blues of the Mississippi Delta, the electrified sounds of Chicago, and the rhythm and blues associated with Memphis. When this music became mainstream in the fifties, rock ‘n’ roll was born, creating careers for artists like Aretha Franklin, The Drifters, and a guy named Elvis. The blues inspired rock groups on both sides of the ocean, the soulful sounds of Motown and Philadelphia, and hip hop/rap music. In this course, we listen to music clips to understand the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll, and how it produced social change and technological advancement worldwide. Historic recordings are presented, including the Georgia Sea Island Singers recorded by Alan Lomax, Delta blues artists, Chicago blues, and Memphis R&B.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393744 | INSTRUCTOR: Andrew Muson

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $135 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Art Deco Splendors of Downtown Los Angeles {New Course}

2 Tuesdays, November 7–14, 1–3pm

Downtown Los Angeles boasts an abundance of Art Deco structures which heralded the city’s growth in the 1920s and 1930s. In this course, we look at the Central Library, City Hall, the Oviatt Building, the Eastern Columbia Building, the Cal Edison Building, and others. These iconic buildings feature dazzling interior and exterior details, and incorporate a variety of symbolic sculptures, historical murals, paintings, and decorative objects. Archival and contemporary photos contribute to our discussion of the architecture, extensive art installations, and the city’s fascinating past.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393748 | INSTRUCTOR: Eleanor Schrader

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $85 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $25

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Andrew Jackson and Jacksonian Democracy

4 Mondays, November 20–December 11, 1–3pm

Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States from 1829 to 1837. He was a politician and leader who became a political and social icon for a generation of Americans in the first half of the nineteenth century and was one of the most transformative and controversial presidents in US history. In this course, we explore Jackson's early life and military career along with the political rise of the near West as a distinct region and a force in American society. With seminal crises involving the Second National Bank, Nullification, the Cherokees' Trail of Tears, and many other events, Jackson's presidential tenure represented a clear demarcation away from the patrician politics of the era of the founding fathers and towards a democracy that was, by turns, more inclusive, more populist, and more volatile.

This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.

REG# 393652 | INSTRUCTOR: Jared Day

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $100 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $30

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

The National Theatre: A Performance & History Study

5 Tuesdays, November 7– December 12 (no meeting Nov. 21), 1–4pm

The Royal National Theatre, commonly called The National, was founded in 1962 and stages over 20 productions a year, ranging from new plays to classics from the world repertoire. In this course, we view recent productions, including A Streetcar Named Desire, Angels in America, A View from the Bridge, and Romeo and Juliet.  Screenings are followed by discussion to evaluate and analyze these dramatic works. We also explore the rich history of The National Theatre, consider the role it played in shaping British arts and culture, and look at contributions of three directors: Sir Laurence Olivier, Peter Hall, and Nicholas Hytner.

REG# 394682 | INSTRUCTOR: Marvin Rosenberg

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $130 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $39

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 114.

Discussion Groups

FALL 2023 SCHEDULE

Discussion groups allow members to explore subjects in an atmosphere of intellectual stimulation, creative self-expression, and socializing, without the expectation of tests or grades. Depending on the nature of the course, there could be a modest amount of preparation or readings required, and you may be called upon for your insights—members should be ready to participate. OLLI membership is required to enroll in these courses.

Best of the Best North American Short Stories {New Course}

8 Tuesdays, September 26–November 14, 10am–12pm

Fifty North American short stories were selected from a survey of more than 500 English professors, short story writers, and novelists for The Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction. In this course, we read and discuss about twenty of these remarkable stories—the best of the best, by authors including Jhumpa Lahiri, ZZ Packer, Alice Walker, and Amy Tan.

REG# 393515 | INSTRUCTOR: Maria Siciliano

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Turning Points in Food History {New Course}

8 Tuesdays, September 26–November 14, 1–3pm

In this course, we explore significant events which have contributed to the way humans have eaten. The adoption of vegetarianism in India's Jain religion as a major eating tradition was one such event. Another was Columbus's 1492 voyage, which brought a vast cornucopia of New World products—corn, potatoes, and tomatoes, to name a few, to the cuisines of the entire world. Other events include science-based inventions such as canning to preserve food, baking powder to make breads and cakes rise, and the invention of refrigeration to keep foods fresh. We also look at significant cookbooks and their authors, including Apicius’s On Things Culinary, the oldest collection of recipes to survive from antiquity; and On the Art of Cooking (1570), which made Renaissance-era chef Bartolomeo Scappi the first internationally renowned celebrity chef. This tradition has lived on more recently with Frenchmen Antonin Carême, who defined the very term haute cuisine, and Auguste Escoffier, whose Le Guide Culinaire (1903) revolutionized the order and design of the modern restaurant kitchen.

REG# 394589 | INSTRUCTOR: Carlo Coppola

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Current Events: Understanding Our World

8 Thursdays, September 28–November 16, 10am–12pm

This unique discussion group focuses on exploring the news of the week. Participants share articles and opinions that pertain to what's happening both in the United States and internationally, particularly to introduce diverse views. Many of the pundits we analyze write for The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. These include such political writers as David Brooks, Thomas Friedman, Paul Krugman, Ross Douthat, Fareed Zakaria, John Bolton, Peggy Noonan, Maureen Dowd, and many more that the class may wish to cover. We also examine such magazines as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New Republic, and other journals that give in-depth coverage of current topics. This is your chance to listen and to be heard on the events of today.

This course uses the Hybrid (Flexible) format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. However, remote students will not be able to see the students in the classroom; only the instructor.

REG# 393308 | INSTRUCTOR: Myrna Hant

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, Room 121ABC.

Short Story International: A Latin American Perspective, Part 2

{New Course}

8 Wednesdays, September 27–November 15, 10am–12pm

This course is an exploration into the Latin American short-story genre. The suggested text is the critically acclaimed The Vintage Book of Latin American Stories, edited by the distinguished Mexican novelist and short-story writer, Carlos Fuentes, and Julio Ortega. This anthology contains works by many of the foremost Latin American writers such as Jorge Luís Borges, Julio Cortázar, Clarice Lispector, and Gabriel García Márques, along with other writers well-known in Latin America whose works are presented here in English translation for the first time. Their stories dynamically reflect a sprawling cross section of Latin American societies, indigenous and otherwise, and their voices resonate through urban and rural regional landscapes, private and public passions, and dramatic political events.

REG# 393426 | INSTRUCTOR: Carlo Coppola

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

A Sequel to Dante’s Divine Comedy {New Course}

8 Wednesdays, September 27–November 15, 1–3pm

The Divine Comedy describes Dante's travels through hell, purgatory, and heaven. In this course, we explore a contemporary Divine Comedy, through a different kind of inferno, purgatory, and paradise. Our journey covers the human condition in a literary way both philosophically and theologically. Excerpts from the instructor’s book, The Man Who Would Write Paradise, are the basis of our discussions. In the end we shall realize what is behind l’amore che move il sole and l’altre stelle (the love that moves the sun and other stars).

REG# 393769 | INSTRUCTOR: Vincent Coppola

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Great Italian Cinema

5 Thursdays: 3 Thursdays, September 28, October 5 & 26, 1–4pm; 2 Thursdays, October 12–19, 1–4:30pm

The cinema of Italy has given the world great films and has influenced film movements worldwide. The post-World War II Neorealismo period merged cinematic realism with a focus on glaring social problems and postwar poverty, while Fellini’s imitable cinematic style combined surreal carnival with incisive social critique. In this course, we view some of the greatest Italian films from 1945 to 1997, and analyze how they use the verbal, visual, and visceral art form, and what they had to say about the human condition. We watch five films: Umberto D (1952), Life is Beautiful (1997), 8 1/2 (1963), The Damned (1969), and Open City (1945).

REG# 393557 | INSTRUCTOR: Vincent Coppola

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 114.

The Value of a Scientific Society {New Course}

8 Sundays, October 1–December 17, (no meetings Oct. 15, 29; Nov. 12, 26), 12–2pm

In this course, we discuss if and how a scientific society is of value to people. The bulk of our discussion is based on Bertrand Russell’s 1953 book, The Impact of Science on Society (1953), which examines the changes in modern life brought about by science. We discuss Russell’s argument that science offers the world greater well-being than it has ever known on the condition that prosperity is dispersed, power is diffused by means of a world government, birth rates do not become too high, and war is abolished. In addition to Russell, we read essays on the impact of science and society by Asimov, Einstein, and Carl Sagan.

REG# 394547 | INSTRUCTOR: Leonard Koff

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40 REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Best Sellers Throughout History, Part 1 {New Course}

8 Mondays, October 2–December 11 (no meetings Oct. 16, 30; Nov. 27), 6:30–8:30pm

While all bestsellers must catch the imagination of the reading public in spectacular ways, a work may not be a bestseller in its own day. Historical bestsellers are fascinating because they provide a window into society's changing tastes and values. In this course, we read bestsellers from different periods and discuss their impact on society. These include selections from the Psalms and the poetry of the Sufi mystic, Rumi— spiritual bestsellers; selections from Virgil’s Aeneid—a Roman bestseller; Voltaire’s Candide—a bestseller from the Age of Enlightenment which enjoyed great success and great scandal in its own day; Baudelaire’s Flowers of Evil—a vilified bestseller and now a classic; as well as Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and Benjamin Spock’s The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care—cultural bestsellers. All these works have captured readers throughout the ages and our age is no exception.

REG# 394531 | INSTRUCTOR: Leonard Koff

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Mindfulness & Healthy Aging {New Course}

4 Thursdays, October 26–November 16, 1–3pm

Life's stresses and our emotional reactivity over the years can lead to an overload of stress hormones, resulting in imbalances in the body. These hormones have been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, weakened immune systems, memory loss, and accelerated aging. Mindfulness techniques can be particularly beneficial for older adults who are more sensitive to the effects of stress-related inflammation. In this course, we find new ways of dealing with stress, life changes, and some of the common effects of aging. We introduce strategies for long-term health and happiness as well as re-evaluating your life-purpose and goals. Participants are introduced to restorative and neuro-protective mindfulness strategies that can foster well-being even in these challenging times.

REG# 393644 | INSTRUCTOR: Jeffrey Hutter

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 112.

Art Now: Virtual Visits with Working Artists {New Course}

6 Thursdays, November 2–December 14, 1–3:30pm

In this course, we look at the work created by artists working now—mainly through virtual studio visits but also through virtual museum tours. Virtual museum tours offer institutional readings of contemporary artists and their work, which inherently reflects the point of view of that institution. Virtual studio visits introduce contemporary works from individual artists, from whom we learn the interests, passions, and circumstances which inform their projects. Recognizing the role of the institution and the role of the artist in the cultural context of our times is an intriguing unfolding of history in the making. Between sessions, recaps are provided to augment contextual readings of the presentations. Discussion is encouraged as it inspires further observation and awareness.

REG# 394502 | INSTRUCTOR: Deborah Cohen

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Foreign Languages

FALL 2023 SCHEDULE

OLLI at UCLA offers courses in French and Spanish at several levels. Language courses are discussion-heavy, and members should be ready to participate. OLLI membership is required to enroll in these courses.

Spanish II for Everyday Life

8 Tuesdays, September 26–November 14, 10am–12pm

A continuation of Spanish I, Part II is an immersion-style course. After a first session in English, instruction is conducted in Spanish. The course offers an easy, no stress way to build on what you learned in the first course and is great for those with intermediate knowledge of the language.

Our Spanish I–IV courses teach you the grammar and vocabulary foundation needed to read and write in Spanish. Students will receive some lecture as well as be assigned short readings in Spanish. We offer these courses on an annual cycle: Spanish I is offered in the summer, Spanish II is offered in the fall, Spanish III is offered in the winter, and Spanish IV or Literary Spanish is offered in the spring.

REG# 393311 | INSTRUCTOR: Emilia Chuquin

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $135 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

High-Level Spanish Conversation

8 Tuesdays, September 26–November 14, 1–3pm

This conversation course is for more advanced Spanish speakers who want to continue improving their oral Spanish skills. Using authentic sources from Latin America, students improve their spoken Spanish through interpretation, imagination, and critical reading. Stories are read and retold in small groups in front of the class in order to improve vocabulary, pronunciation, and idiomatic expressions. Students who have completed Spanish IV or Literary Spanish are at the appropriate fluency level for this course.

REG# 393312 | INSTRUCTOR: Emilia Chuquin

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

French Conversation II: High Intermediate

8 Tuesdays, September 26–November 14, 6:30–8:30pm

Designed for students who have taken two or more years of French or who have lived in a French-speaking country, this class prepares you to have a conversation with native speakers of French. Real-life dialogues include engaging topics such as meeting people, making plans, discussing leisure activities, and just having fun. Homework assignments are oral exercises on specified topics that students prepare during the week, then share with the whole class.

REG# 393314 | INSTRUCTOR: Ruth Gooley

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

French Conversation I: Low Intermediate

8 Wednesdays, September 27–November 15, 6:30–8:30pm

Designed for students who have had one year of French, this course prepares you to have a conversation with native French speakers. Real-life dialogues include engaging topics such as meeting people, making plans, discussing leisure activities, and just having fun. Homework assignments include oral exercises on specified topics. Students prepare their discussion points during the week and share with the whole class.

REG# 393315 | INSTRUCTOR: Ruth Gooley

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Real Life Spanish Conversation I

8 Thursdays, September 28–November 16, 10am–12pm

This course provides a comfortable space for students with a basic knowledge of Spanish to practice their conversation skills under an instructor's guidance. Students respond to prompts provided by the instructor, while their peers ask follow-up questions or make comments, all in Spanish. The instructor facilitates the conversations and corrects vocabulary or grammar as needed. This is not a beginner’s class; some Spanish is required.

REG# 393316 | INSTRUCTOR: Susan McMillen Villar

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Real Life Spanish Conversation II

8 Thursdays, September 28–November 16, 1–3pm

This course provides a comfortable space for students with an intermediate knowledge of Spanish to practice their conversation skills under an instructor's guidance. Students respond to prompts provided by the instructor, while their peers ask follow-up questions or make comments, all in Spanish. The instructor facilitates the conversations and corrects language as needed, while also introducing more advanced grammar and vocabulary skills. This course is intended for intermediate Spanish speakers; students approaching fluency are encouraged to take our High-Level Spanish Conversation course.

REG# 393318 | INSTRUCTOR: Susan McMillen Villar

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Creativity, Games & Movement

These courses are interactive. Members are able to practice or apply what they learn in class. OLLI membership is required to enroll in these courses.

Drawing Studio

6 Tuesdays, September 26 – October 31, 1–3:30pm

This course provides an interactive virtual studio: to draw, to practice, and to investigate. With drawing as the basis, we practice techniques that explore gesture, line, contour, shade, shadow, light, form, space, and weight, as well as a variety of mediums and materials. To bolster enthusiasm and nurture creativity, we visit a museum at UCLA to draw in an inspiring physical space. Suggested prerequisite: Drawing is a Feeling I and/or II, or some previous drawing experience is helpful.

Class discussions will be on Zoom. Field trip will be offsite.

REG# 393751 | INSTRUCTOR: Deborah Beth Cohen

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Beginning Mah-Jongg

6 Wednesdays, September 27–November 1, 9:30am–12pm

Mah-Jongg is a game of both skill and luck that originated in China many centuries ago. It was brought to the West in the 1920s and is played with four players seated around a table. Tiles are shuffled, die are cast, and rituals involving the allocation of tiles and then the exchange of tiles begin. The first person to match a hand of 14 tiles and thus call “MahJongg" ends the game, whereupon tiles are scored, and a winner is declared. This course introduces the beginner to the basic rules and simple strategies. Learn to play this enjoyable, social, and thought-provoking game! The first two class meetings are mandatory.

Every student will need to purchase the 2023/24 Mah-Jongg card from the National MahJongg League at: www.nationalmahjonggleague.org. The large card for $15.00 is preferred.

REG# 393623 | INSTRUCTOR: Orna Manavi

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119A.

Intermediate Mah-Jongg

6 Wednesdays, September 27–November 1, 1–3:30pm

Intermediate Mah-Jongg is designed for players who already understand the basic rules of play, with some experience playing the game, and wish to further develop their skills. The goals of the class include a better understanding of reading the Mah-Jongg card, developing strategies for choosing the hand of play, strategies for defensive play, and increasing the speed of play. There is plenty of time to practice all of these skills and have a great time.

Every student will need to purchase the 2023/24 Mah-Jongg card from the National MahJongg League at: www.nationalmahjonggleague.org. The large card for $15.00 is preferred.

REG# 393624 | INSTRUCTOR: Orna Manavi

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119A.

Life Stories that Stir the Soul

8 Wednesdays, September 27–November 15, 1–3pm

As we travel along life's path, our stories are the most precious gifts we can pass on. In this course, students are encouraged to write stories that have affected their hearts. Be they funny or sad, about good times or bad, each student has an opportunity to share a new short story every week.  Write a story about the one that got away, or the one you decided to stay with.  Write about the lessons you learned, the dinners you burned, or what you did when you came to a particular fork in your road.

This course requires weekly writing assignments. Students must meet weekly deadlines in order to receive instructor feedback and participate in group storytelling sessions.

REG# 393340 | INSTRUCTOR: Shelley Bonus

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Beginning Gentle Yoga

8 Wednesdays, September 27–November 15, 1–2:30pm

This is a slow meditative course, intended for those with little or no experience, or those with physical limitations. We integrate awareness of breath with gentle movements to facilitate a feeling of wholeness, well-being, and joy. Mats are required. Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 393546 | INSTRUCTOR: Mona Wells

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Smart Movement Solutions: Finding a Mind Body Balance

10 Thursdays, September 28–December 7 (no meeting Nov 23), 10–11am

The Feldenkrais Method® works slowly and systematically to build new patterns of movement. By doing very small and easy but complex movement puzzles, we learn to rewire our nervous systems to align mind with body. In this course, we become experts at knowing how our bodies work—what is possible and easy and what is more difficult or even impossible at the time. We experiment with variations in our movement patterns to build resiliency and expand our repertoire of ways to do the same movements with refinement. The movement strategies we use are small and slow to maximize a way for your brain to learn better habits. This is not a standard exercise class. Anyone can benefit since the emphasis is on learning as we once did as babies—organically. Discover the pleasure of moving painlessly and gracefully.

Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 394203 | INSTRUCTOR: Stacy Barrows

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119B.

Intermediate Yoga

8 Thursdays, September 28–November 16, 6:30–8pm

This is a nurturing Hatha flow course intended for those with foundational experience practicing yoga. Meditation and yoga nidra will be integrated into our practice to enhance relaxation, renewal, and connecting to our true nature. Mats are required.

Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 393547 | INSTRUCTOR: Mona Wells

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

iPhone Photography Workshop: Creating Works of Art

8 Mondays, October 2–November 27 (no meeting Nov 20), 10am–12pm

In this course, we review how to take an in-focus, well-exposed picture and how to crop and edit it. We work with elements of composition, color, and lighting, so your photo has an impact. We discuss different apps to give your photos uniqueness and a type of artistry. Posing, photo books, matting, and displaying your photos will also be discussed. This is an interactive class; each week you are given an assignment which is critiqued the following week.

REG# 393343 | INSTRUCTOR: Ellen Demsky

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119B.

Poker Fundamentals 2

6 Mondays, October 2–November 6, 1–3pm

Poker (and No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em in particular) has been gaining a lot of publicity lately through media such as ESPN. In this intermediate (non-beginner's) class, we expect prior knowledge of the basic rules, in order to concentrate on expanding from there. More specifically, we work on various strategy topics, such as opening charts, bet sizing, hand reading, odds, popular misconceptions, and others. We also dedicate at least an hour each week playing the game and applying the concepts real-time. The course is designed for retaking, as long as you have knowledge of the basics (rules, structure, betting, etc.).

REG# 394519 | INSTRUCTOR: Duncan Palamourdas

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Qigong for a Healthy Body and Peaceful Mind

6 Tuesdays, October 3–November 14 (no meeting October 10), 1:30–3pm

Qigong improves the various bodily functions by improving the body's natural energy flow and capacity with simple standing or seating postures, body movement and harmonized breath. The simple movements were developed by Chinese over the last 5000 years to follow the natural flow of the earth's energy and improve the circulation of internal Qi (Chi) from the body and external Qi from nature. In this course, we practice with various Broad Prescription Qigong (BPQ) set of movements, using simple standing or seated postures, body movements, and harmonized breath to increase the body’s natural energy flow and fill the energy centers in the body with vital life force, or Qi.  Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 393631 | INSTRUCTOR: Samuel Barnes

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119.

Tai Chi for Anxiety and Better Balance

6 Thursdays, October 5–November 16 (no meeting October 12), 1:30–3pm

Tai Chi is well-known for bringing the mind, body, and spirit together to improve balance, prevent injury, and promote good health. This peaceful martial art helps to clear the mind, reduce stress, and enhance flexibility along with promoting overall wellness. The steps are soft, and the slow movements are simple. The postures and movements accord with the principles of yin and yang and strengthen an intimate awareness with one’s natural internal and external energy, building a great sense of inner peace. In this course, a new tai chi posture is introduced each week after a one-hour tai chi flow sequence. In the process, we learn how to open the body’s energy pathways and prepare for proper tai chi form training, while focusing on deepening our balance and reducing anxiety. Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 393640 | INSTRUCTOR: Samuel Barnes

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119.

Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities

OLLI at UCLA members have access to a selection of unique leadership & volunteer opportunities within UCLA. New opportunities are shared via email as they arise.

Leadership Opportunities

OLLI Advisory Board - Led by the OLLI Director, the Advisory Board is dedicated to supporting the mission and values of the OLLI program as outlined by the Osher Foundation. Advisory Board members meet throughout the year to provide feedback on strategic initiatives and to review scholarship applications. Appointment to the advisory board is by invitation only, but requests to join will be reviewed by any member who has been in the program over 5 years.

Curriculum Committee - Curriculum committee members support program development by identifying new potential instructors and topics, sharing highlights from OLLI courses, and promoting the OLLI program. To be eligible for the curriculum committee, you must be a currently active OLLI member and have been a member for at least two years, and complete a brief interview.

To learn more about serving on a committee, please email osher@uclaextension.edu.

Volunteer Opportunities (remote & in-person options)

Friends of Extension – OLLI members are eligible to join the Friends of Extension volunteer program. These volunteers provide services to UCLA Extension such as checking in students for courses, being a virtual teacher's assistant for OLLI Zoom courses, and helping with any special events. For more information about the Friends of Extension, please contact Jan Woo at jwoo@unex.ucla.edu or call (310) 825-1024.

Generation Xchange Program (GenX) – A partnership between the UCLA Department of Medicine and the L.A. Unified School District that brings retired adults into K-5 classrooms to help children achieve academic success. The mission is to promote greater health and wellness outcomes in at-risk older adults, while simultaneously supporting greater academic and behavioral outcomes for children in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. For more information, contact D'Ann Morris, Associate Director at dmmorris@mednet.ucla.edu or leave a voicemail for the UCLA Division of Geriatrics (310) 267-5114 and a team member will contact you.

OLLI at UCLA Giving

Thank you to all the donors and friends of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCLA, without whom the OLLI program would not be possible. We extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation for your continued support.

OLLI at UCLA depends on private contributions from caring individuals like you to keep our program running and thriving. Your investment in OLLI at UCLA ensures that our high quality courses continue to enrich the lives of adults throughout Los Angeles.

As we prepare for the future, we rely on individual donations from members and non-members who believe in the transformative work of lifelong learning. You can help support the continuation and growth of the OLLI at UCLA program by making a tax-deductible donation of any size to our scholarship fund or support fund.

Michael Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Michael Williams Memorial Scholarship provides members who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to lifelong learning a free year of Plus OLLI membership. A donation to the OLLI scholarship fund means we can award a greater number of scholarships every quarter.

OLLI Support Fund

Membership dues and course fees only cover a percentage of program costs. A donation to the OLLI support fund ensures that we can continue to provide excellence in programming, instruction, and service.

Help us reach our $30,000 annual fundraising goal.

Gifts can be made online at: giving.ucla.edu/SupportOsher.

For questions about giving to OLLI at UCLA or to send a gift by mail, contact UCLA Extension’s Office of Development by email at gramirez@support.ucla.edu or call at (310) 206-6410.

Instructors

FALL 2023

James Aldinger, former two-term mayor of Manhattan Beach; designed and built satellites for 30+ years for Hughes Aircraft Company (later Boeing).

Samuel Barnes, Director of Tai Chi Works Studio and the Qigong Healing Institute; a master teacher of Tai Chi, Qigong, Hsing I, Bagua and meditation for over 42 years.

Stacy Barrows, PT, GCFP, Doctor of Physical Therapy; certified PMA Pilates and Feldenkrais teacher; owner of Smart Somatic Solutions.

Richard Bell, PhD, professor of history at the University of Maryland; author of the new book Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home

Shelley R. Bonus, writer, astronomical historian, content creator for the Caltech Infrared Astronomy website, CoolCosmos, and telescope coordinator for the Mt. Wilson Observatory.

Sharon Boorstin, former contributing writer for the Los Angeles Times, specializing in lifestyle and travel; has written for Bon Appetit, Smithsonian and Town & Country Travel; author of the memoir/ cookbook Let Us Eat Cake: Adventures in Food & Friendship.

Jeffrey Bouman, PhD, leadership trainer working with Hungarian migrant and refugee-impacted populations, instructor at Károli Gáspár University in Budapest. He served as director of the Service-Learning Center at Calvin College from 2002 to 2020

Philip Bump, columnist for The Washington Post; author, The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America. Mr. Bump is based in New York.

Emilia Chuquin, PhD, Spanish, UNM, Albuquerque, UCLA Extension Spanish Instructor.

Peter Cipkowski, EdD, literary historian, publishing executive, and author of Revolution in Eastern Europe: The Collapse of Communism. He serves on the Willa Cather Foundation Board of Governors.

Deborah Beth Cohen, PhD in Culture and Performance, UCLA; artist; designer; educator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (MOCA) for 21 years.

Carlo Coppola, PhD in Comparative Literature, University of Chicago; published author, editor, critic, world literature teacher and translator of poetry and fiction from South Asian literatures.

Vincent Coppola, PhD in Philosophy, Pontifical Gregorian University; MFA in film and theater arts, UCLA

Jared Day, PhD; taught American history at Carnegie Mellon University; expertise in US political, urban, and cultural history, and world history from the 15th century to the present.

Ellen Demsky, award-winning event and portrait photographer and photography instructor; current National Duathlon (bike and run) champion and winner of the LA Marathon for her age group.

Ruth Anne Gooley, PhD in French Language and Literature, UCLA

Myrna Hant, PhD; Former Research Scholar, Center for the Study of Women, UCLA.

Phyllis K. Herman, PhD in history of religion, UCLA; professor of religious studies at CSUN with a focus on South Asia; coeditor ofThe Constant and Changing Face of the Goddess: Goddess Traditions in Asia.

Jeffrey Hutter, PhD; Psychologist; former assistant clinical professor, School of Medicine, UCLA; past president, Gestalt Therapy Institute of Los Angeles; former clinical consultant at the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy

Leonard Koff, PhD, UC Berkeley; associate, UCLA Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

Marganit Lish, CSLA; Life Teaching Credential, CSUN; MAT in education, University of Judaism

Mary Mallory, film historian, writer and researcher focusing on Los Angeles and early film history. Ms. Mallory is the author of four books, blogger for the LA Daily Mirror and speaker at museums and libraries. She serves on the Hollywood Heritage Museum Board of Directors

Orna Manavi, DC, Mah-Jongg instructor who has conducted Mah-jongg games for teams of beginners, intermediate, and advanced players.

Martin Marshall, founding member of Improvisation Incorporated, a San Franciscobased improv theater in San Francisco in the 1970s. He has taught more than 40 OLLI courses at 10 universities in 8 years and was the first instructor to teach a course through the OLLI National Resource Center.

Roy Meals, MD, UCLA Clinical professor of Orthopedics. He has a lifelong interest in teaching and particularly in making difficult concepts approachable and comprehensible. His latest book is Muscle, The Gripping Story of Strength and Movement

Steven Moore, MA in drama.

Stephen Mucher, PhD, director of the UCLA Extension Department of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UCLA.

Andrew Muson, Juilliard-trained, musician, composer, and producer who has recorded gold and platinum albums, TV themes, and film scores. He’s appeared on stages from Carnegie Hall to Montreux with artists including James Taylor, The Manhattan Transfer, Bette Midler, Yoko Ono, and Albert King.

Duncan Palamourdas, PhD, mathematical logic, UCLA; author, Why Alex Beats Bobbie at Poker: Developing a Fundamentally Sound Approach to Poker.

Alex Pirolini, PhD in American film history, University of London; author of Rouben Mamoulian and The Cinema of Preston Sturges and has written numerous articles, essays, and film reviews for various publications.

Marvin Rosenberg,PhD, original member of the Safaris who wrote their 1960 hit, “Image of a Girl;” host of the doo wop radio show called Goodies about Oldies on rememberthenradio.com

Eleanor Schrader, MBA, Loyola Marymount University; completed graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby’s Institute in London and New York, and graduate studies in architectural history at USC.

Ryan Shiotsuki, PhD in musicology; lecturer in musicology, UCLA and Chapman University

Maria Siciliano, MPA, Harvard University; MS in gerontology, USC; principal and founder, Gerontology in Action.

Steve Sohmer, PhD; student of the Holocaust for the past 17 years. His research has taken him to Nuremberg, Berlin, Dachau, Auschwitz, Ravensbruck, Bergen-Belsen, Buchenwald, and the Deutsche Kinemathek.

Bob Stern, JD; former president of the Center for Governmental Studies; former chair of the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws; former legislative and Secretary of State staffer; first general counsel for the California Fair Political Practices Commission and coauthor of reform laws.

Lee Scott Theisen, PhD, American history, Latin American history and art at University of Arizona; lecturer on film and food culture with expertise on chocolate.

Thomas Trudgeon, MFA in acting and performance pedagogy from CSULB; faculty

lecturer with CSULB, where he has taught introduction to acting, preparing for the profession, and advanced acting classes.

Susan McMillen Villar, PhD in Hispanic and Luso literatures, languages, cultures, and linguistics; retired director of Spanish and Portuguese language instruction, University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Edward Watts, PhD in History from Yale University, Alkiviadis Vassiliadis Endowed Chair and the Chair of the History Department at UCSD. He is the author of six books and the editor of five others including Mortal Republic: How Rome Fell into Tyranny (Basic Books, 2018).

Mona Wells, Hatha Yoga Teacher in Los Angeles and New York for more than 15 years.

Katherine E. Zoraster, MA; adjunct professor of art history at Moorpark College, CSU Northridge, and the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts

General Information & Policies

OLLI membership is required to enroll in courses.

> Guests must receive permission to attend classes.

> Auditing is not allowed.

> Membership is not transferable to a family member or friend.

> UCLA Extension’s Senior Citizen Discount does not apply to OLLI courses or OLLI membership.

> Many OLLI courses have limited enrollment, so early enrollment is advised.

> Students must be age 50 or greater to become OLLI members.

OLLI Scholarship Program

OLLI at UCLA offers a limited amount of scholarships each year to current and prospective members who demonstrate financial need. Please visit uclaextension.edu/olli-membership to download a scholarship application or email osher@uclaextension.edu to request a copy.

Refund Policy

Refund requests will be accepted through the close of business on the final refund date, which is printed on your enrollment receipt. A $30 administrative fee is withheld from each refund request.

OLLI membership dues are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Taste of Osher course fees are non-refundable.

Contact the OLLI office: Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm

Phone: (310) 206-2693

Email: osher@uclaextension.edu

Course information is sent to students two days before the start date. Students who enroll into a course on or after the first day should contact the OLLI office to request a copy of the course information.

Remote courses can be accessed by logging into my.uclaextension.edu (Canvas).

To contact registration: (310) 825-9971 ext. 601

To request a refund:

Email: refunds@uclaextension.edu

Parking Options

In Westwood, a variety of public parking lots and metered parking is available throughout the village. Please expect daily parking costs to range from $3–$22 depending on time and day.

Mass Transit Information

For detailed information on bus service to Westwood Village, visit metro.net, bigbluebus.com, or culvercity.org.

In accordance with UCLA Extension policy, service dogs will need to be registered with UCLA Extension’s Services for Students with Disabilities Office. You are allowed to attend your first class meeting with your service dog, but will not be able to attend any future meetings until you are registered with the UCLA Extension Disabilities Office.

“Under ADA Revised Requirements of September 2010, only dogs can serve as service animals. Further, a service animal is a dog that is trained to perform special tasks for a person with a disability They are working animals, not pets. A dog whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support will not qualify as a service animal under the ADA.”

Please contact Pam Head, the coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities Office, at (310) 825-0183 to begin and complete the process to have your service dog registered.

UCLA Extension is the continuing education division of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). We offer courses evenings and weekends in Westwood and Downtown L.A., plus online classes available around the globe. Courses range from business, arts, engineering, and IT, to entertainment studies, public policy, public health, the humanities, and more. Explore UCLA Extension at uclaextension.edu

The Bernard Osher Foundation With an endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation, UCLA Extension joins universities across the United States at the forefront of a national initiative to provide learning opportunities to serve the intellectual and cultural needs of older adults.

OLLI Membership & Enrollment Form

SPRING 2023

Joining OLLI is easy. Choose one of the options below.

1. OLLI Basic Membership: Basic members enroll at regular course fees.

2. OLLI Plus Membership: Plus members enroll at significantly reduced course fees.

To Enroll

Online: uclaextension.edu/osher By Phone: (310) 825-9971 ext. 601

By Mail: UCLA Extension, Dept. K, Box 24901, Los Angeles, CA 90024-0901

SSN*

Name

Mailing Address

Birth Date (mo/day/yr)** Email Address

Daytime Phone Number

OLLI Basic Membership (lasts 1 year)

OLLI Plus Membership (lasts 1 year)

CHECK enclosed payable to: The Regents of UC

Note: There is a $30 charge for returned checks. A $30 administrative fee is withheld from each course for which you request a refund unless the course is canceled, discontinued, rescheduled, or has a special refund policy. Memberships are nonrefundable.

Charge American Express Discover MasterCard

Account Number Expiration Date (mo/yr)

Authorizing Signature

Billing Address if Different from Above

Name As It Appears on Card

*Your Social Security number (SSN) is required by federal law to enable filing of information returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you do not choose to provide us with your Social Security number, you will be permitted to enroll; however, UCLA Extension will not be able to provide the IRS with evidence of fee payment that might entitle you to tax credits available under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.

**You must be 50 years or above to join OLLI. UCLA Extension’s Senior Citizen Discount does not apply to OLLI courses or membership. Date of birth is used to verify eligibility.

In accordance with applicable federal laws and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate in any of its policies, procedures, or practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal opportunity policies may be directed to Office of Registrar, UCLA Extension, Dept. K, Box 24901, Los Angeles, CA 90024-0901; Voice/TDD: (310) 825-8845. For information on services for students with disabilities, or questions about accessibility, please call (310) 825-7851 (voice or TTY).

† Discount code available on most classes at least 30 days before course start date.