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Osher Online is a program from the Osher National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. These classes are delivered by the Osher NRC via Zoom, with participants from all over the country. All times listed are Eastern time.
OLLI at BCC is excited to be a part of this program. Registration closes on March 17 Osher Online classes are $60 each, and available to OLLI at BCC members only. Each class has a limit of 13 students from each participating OLLI. Osher Online classes are not recorded. After you register for Osher Online classes, you will receive a welcome email from the Osher NRC. This email will include an Osher Online username and password as well as a link to the Osher Online Website, through which you will access your classes. You will also have access to a pre-class orientation, where you'll get helpful information for accessing your class. There you'll find the class Zoom link, syllabus, discussion board and Customer Care contact information. It is recommended that you test your ability to log in before the start date of your class. On class days, you are also encouraged to log on 10-15 minutes before the start time. That will give you ample opportunity to get tech support and troubleshooting from the NRC if you need it. Osher Online classes are separate from our OLLI at BCC Winter Courses.
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Bonsai, An Ancient Art in Modern Times
Mondays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Eastern time Zoom | Bonsai is a centuries-old practice of training trees in containers to resemble those in nature. In this course, we will explore the key components of bonsai: horticulture, design, and technical skills. By the end of the course, you will understand how to maintain a healthy tree, develop your own design style, and apply essential techniques. Whether you are new to bonsai, have experience, or are simply curious, this course will guide you through the fundamentals of this fascinating art form. Chris Baker has worked with bonsai for over 18 years, beginning as an enthusiast with a passion for horticulture and nature. His career shifted after a meeting with bonsai curator Jack Sustic at the U.S. National Arboretum in 2010, leading him to volunteer and eventually study with bonsai master Tohru Suzuki in Japan. In 2014, Baker became the first full-time curator of the Chicago Botanic Garden's bonsai collection. He serves as President of the North American Bonsai Federation and is on the board of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation. |
Car Crazy: 1950s Onward |
Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Eastern time Zoom Six Sessions: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14 | In this course, we will explore key eras of automotive history, as a way of understanding the profound impact cars have on society and culture. We will discuss the role of influential designers, the creation of iconic vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette, and the appeal of visionary concept cars like the Ford Nucleon – all of which highlight the creativity and innovation of each era. We will discuss how global car cultures, from America’s muscle cars to Japan’s futuristic designs, reflect the unique identities and values of their societies. These vehicles have become symbols of creativity, status, and technological progress. Whether it's Germany’s precision-engineered sports cars or Italy’s exquisitely crafted performance masterpieces, each region brings its own distinct flavor to the world of automotive design. Learn how the worldwide car scene showcases the diversity of human innovation and cultural expression, cementing automobiles as both a tool of progress and a reflection of societal evolution. Pandora Paúl, former curator at America’s Automotive Trust and LeMay America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington, enjoyed driving her father’s red ’59 Convertible Corvette, her mom’s ’70 Opel GT, and cruising in her own ’77 Malibu Classic station wagon. Her career has included both work and play in museum education, training, and curation. Paúl was part of the team at the San Diego Automotive Museum who created award-winning exhibits. She has served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Automobile Museums. She loves to showcase vehicles that have not been seen before. She believes that automobiles are snapshots of our culture, and she enjoys interpreting cars in unique ways that inspire conversation and create wonder and awe. |
Russia Beyond Russians |
Thursdays 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Eastern time Zoom Six Sessions: 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8 | CLOSED - AT CAPACITY If you would like to join the waiting list, please call 413-236-2190 This course focuses on recent events in Russia and the post-Soviet space, many of which stem from enduring ethnic tensions. The Russian Federation is home to 180 nationalities, many of which have long been in conflict. We will examine how the Russian state—under the Tsars, Soviets, and President Vladimir Putin—has sought to impose uniformity, often diminishing ethnic groups. Through a historical lens, we will explore the struggles of these groups, from peaceful movements like the Circassian movement to violent resistance like Chechnya. Contemporary Russian culture, including music, cinema, cuisine, and humor, will also be discussed to illuminate current events. Asya Pereltsvaig, PhD received a degree in English and History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a PhD in Linguistics from McGill University. She taught at Yale and Stanford, and has been teaching in lifelong education programs since 2010. Her expertise is in language and history, and the relationship between them. Her most recent book is Languages of the World: An Introduction, 4th edition. |
Neurology in a Nutshell: The Brain Explained |
Thursdays 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Eastern time Zoom Six Sessions: 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/18 | CLOSED - AT CAPACITY If you would like to join a waiting list, please call 413-236-2190. This course begins by unraveling the mysteries of the brain. We will explore how to navigate the complex and fragmented healthcare system and discuss strategies for advocating for personalized care. In addition to simplifying common neurological conditions—such as headaches, dizziness, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and memory loss—we will examine testing and imaging of the nervous system. The course will also focus on illness prevention through healthy lifestyles and provide an intimate discussion of end-of-life issues. Dr. Paul Schanfield, a retired neurologist from Minnesota, practiced privately for 40 years before retiring in 2015. He continues to teach medical students and residents as a Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Minnesota. In 2017, he was recognized as the first-ever Community Educator of the Month by the University of Neurology. A perennial Minneapolis/St. Paul “Top Doctor” since 1992, Dr. Schanfield has received numerous teaching awards, including the 2018 Community Teacher of the Year from United Family Medicine Residents. |
OLLI: the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College |
