Spring 2024 Online Courses

OLLI membership and semester course package registration is required.

 

 

MONDAY

OL 101 Humor in the Opera House (OLLI Shares)
Jan 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26; March 4
9 – 10:15 a.m.
Dr. Elizabeth Aversa
The course explores operas that are just fun and that have kept audiences laughing through the years. Mozart’s “Cosi fan Tutte” (1789), Verdi’s “Falstaff” (1893), and Shostakovich’s “The Nose” (1928) are among the works we will enjoy while learning about comic opera’s history and characteristics.

OL 102 The Alabama Symphony Orchestra Presents:
The Music and Beyond
Jan 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26; March 4
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Daniel Cho
Dive into the fundamentals of music with Alabama Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor Daniel Cho and learn about the rich history of the relationships between orchestra musicians and conductors. Go on a journey as Daniel shares his experience, first-hand as violinist and conductor of the modern-day orchestra!

OL 103 Talking About Books: UA Press and OLLI
Book Club
Jan 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26; March 4
Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Carol Prickett, Jan Mercier and UA Press Authors Join our book community for lively discussions: The class kickoff extravaganza, where members share their favorite recent reading; UA Press authors telling us about their works; the group’s fiction and nonfiction selections. Online participation available to all (check listings).

OL 104 Presidential Power Couples
Jan 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Keith Robinson (via Zoom)
We will look at 10 presidential couples, focusing on their relationships, influence on events of their time, and historical popularity… or lack thereof. Will your favorite couple be one of the 10? Join us to find out!

OL 105 The Chemistry of Everyday Things, Part 2
Jan 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26; March 4
3 – 4:15 p.m.
Dr. Russ Timkovich
Explore the chemistry involved with common (or not so common) things we encounter. Units will discuss the chemistry of batteries, the chemistry of BOOM! (explosives), the chemistry of stars, and, time permitting, the physical chemistry of GPS. No prior background in chemistry required. (OL 105 Continued)

 

TUESDAY

OL 106 Common and Colorful: Four Southern Governors (OLLI Shares)
Jan. 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Dr. Richard Rhone
The 20th-century American south is known for its colorful politicians. We will discuss four of the most fascinating and charismatic populist governors including Texas’ Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, Louisiana’s Huey “Kingfish” Long and “Uncle Earl” Long, as well as Alabama’s “Big Jim” Folsom.

OL 107 Scoundrels of Betrayal in Early America (OLLI Shares)
Feb. 13, 20, 27; March 5
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Dr. Richard Rhone
Our nation has had its share of scoundrels in public life, but some of the worst lived during our country’s early years. We will discuss the evil betrayals of four of the most treasonous scoundrels from the Revolutionary War to the War of 1812 who share an infamous legacy of profit over patriotism.

OL 108 The Forgotten Ladies: A Deep Dive into the First Ladies of Obscure U.S. Presidents
Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27; March 5
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Dusty Folds (via Zoom)
The women who served as First Lady left a noticeable mark on the country in many ways. Their spouses (or uncle) might often be overlooked, but these women definitely deserve some attention. Join us for this seven-week course as we explore 15 First Ladies of the United States. The companion course, The Forgotten Leaders: A Deep Dive into Obscure U.S. Presidents, meets Wednesdays at 3 p.m.

OL 109 Downsize and Declutter with Movers and Shakers (OLLI Shares)
Feb. 13, 20, 27; March 5
3 – 4:15 p.m.
Alice Maxwell
Downsizing can be a daunting task on your own. Join Alice Maxwell who has 29 years of experience in helping people downsize and declutter the right way. Get tips
and tricks for moving on or moving out- from decorators to movers, estate sales and everything in between. Walk away as an expert downsizer.

OL 117 Philosophy of Physics, Astronomy and Cosmology  (OLLI Shares)  Jan 30; Feb 6, 13, 20 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Dr. Jim Beaupre & Dr. Ken Rex The advances of modern physics and astronomy lead to a reality very different from the one that we experience in everyday life. The philosophies of science deal with how should we deal with these realities and interact with the big questions of philosophy:  What is reality? How do we know/learn things? What are the critical components that make up our universe and what is our best idea of how it started and evolved? What are the scientific and philosophical uncertainties in our understanding of the universe?  What aspects of its evolution are most important to life?

OL 118  Wagner, Nietzsche and the Origins of Post-Truth   (OLLI Shares) Jan 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Jay West
Discover the roots of our Post-Modern, Post-Truth era by delving into the ideas of Richard Wagner and Friedrich Nietzsche. This course explores how their works and philosophies set the stage for today’s world of skepticism, subjectivity, and blurred truths. We’ll examine their impact on culture, music, and philosophy, connecting the dots between the 19th century and our current information landscape. Ideal for those interested in the evolution of truth in a changing society.

OL 119 The Atomic Bomb and the End of WWII (OLLI Shares)  Jan 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Frank Broz
This course will examine Japan’s response to the bombing and destruction of their cities and industries by the US military, as well as the USSR’s entry into the war in its final days. We will discuss the creation of Japan’s political system, the development of the atomic bomb and other weapons, and their role in Japan’s surrender. We will also review the film Oppenheimer and its place in the historical narrative.

OL 120  Michelangelo, Rebel With A Cause, Sistine Secrets  (OLLI Shares) 

Jan 30; Feb 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar 5
1:15 – 2:45 p.m.
Debbie West
Meet Michelangelo, the Italian Renaissance genius. Follow his mastery of sculpture, painting, architecture, and his triumphant coded vision few knew or know even today. Many of you have seen these masterpieces but now you can learn this backstory to fully appreciate his prowess.

OL 122   The High Middle Ages: Europe from the 9th to the 12th centuries   (OLLI Shares) 

Jan 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Joseph Kicklighter
Explore Europe during the High Middle Ages, from the 9th to the 12th centuries. Our focus is to investigate the historical roots of Western civilization during this period.

 

WEDNESDAY

OL 110 Explore Artificial Intelligence: What is the Hype?
Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7
9 – 10:15 a.m.
Bob Coulson
Discover the world of artificial intelligence in this engaging four-week course designed for individuals of all backgrounds. Whether you are excited or concerned, join us to demystify AI’s impact on your daily living. Whether you are excited, concerned or
curious about AI, this course will empower you with knowledge and insights.

OL 111 Co-Creating with Artificial Intelligence: How
to Unleash Your Creativity!
Feb. 14, 21, 28; March 6
9 – 10:15 a.m.
Bob Coulson
Unlock your creativity by co-creating with artificial intelligence! Join this four-week discovery of how AI can assist you in better searching, writing, cooking,
storytelling, and video creation. You will harness the power of AI for searching, writing, cooking, storytelling and video creation. Enhance your creative potential.

OL 112 Updated Interesting Medical Topics
Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Dr. Robert Pieroni
We shall present a wide variety of topics of interest to an OLLI audience. Subjects will include potentially life-saving medical diagnoses and treatments as well as past and present intriguing medical subjects. Audience participation is encouraged.

OL 113 Warships of Alabama
Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Dr. Robert Kane
During the history of the United States, there have been several U.S. and Confederate warships named after the state of Alabama and several Alabama cities. This course will provide presentations on the history and war records of this warships, such as the USS Alabama, the USS Tuscaloosa and more!

OL 114 The Forgotten Leaders: A Deep Dive into Obscure U.S. Presidents
Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6
3 – 4:15 p.m.
Dr. Derrick Griffey
In this course, students will embark on a fascinating historical journey of exploring the lives and tenures of lesser-known American presidents. This course aims to shed light on figures such as Fillmore, Buchanan and Arthur. This course will provide a more nuanced understanding of American history revealing how these often-dismissed leaders contributed to the shaping of the nation. The companion course, The Forgotten Ladies, meets Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.

OL 121 Zoom Basics
Jan. 10
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Carol Prickett and Lois Strachan
Explore our array of online courses and let us assist you in getting started with the Zoom platform. Gain the confidence you need, whether you are a beginner or seeking a refresher.

OL 123  Why Motivating Ourselves Matters as We Age  (OLLI Shares)  Jan. 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Dr. William Confer Our beliefs and our behavior contribute to how long and how well we will live within the limits of our biology. This course will identify dilemmas of existence in general (and aging in particular) before addressing the acquisition of key attitudes and competencies associated with life satisfaction at any age: how to stick to a self-development plan, what works in relationships, and what works in pursuit of the good life.

 

THURSDAY

OL 115 It is Electric: Uncovering the Past, Present, and Future of Energy in Alabama
Feb. 15, 22, 29; March 7
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Laurel Esposito
Explore the past, present, and future of Alabama’s electrical grid. This course takes a deep dive into emerging energy sources, uncovers the truth behind “dirty” clean energy, and discusses what it is going to take to build resilient and affordable energy infrastructure for generations to come.

OL 116 Organize Your Life
Feb. 1
3 – 4:15 p.m.
Dr. Abby Horton
Getting and keeping everything organized often feels like it is an impossible task. This class will cover the fundamentals of how to “organize your life” one step at a time.