Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College announces fall semester lineup
Registration is open for the 2023 fall semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College. The programs offer noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives.
The semester, which runs Sept. 26 to Nov. 17, features more than 50 courses, workshops, lectures, and special presentations covering a variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science.
Classes will be held at the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; and online via Zoom. Course highlights include:
· Civic Literacy: The Key to Democracy: The state of American civic literacy has contributed to the erosion of American democracy. The workshop will define civic literacy, trace its decline, and evaluate how that decline has negatively impacted democracy and our political economy.
· ChatGPT and the Rise of AI: The world is on the verge of the biggest technology breakthrough since the onset of the internet in the 1990s. There are great benefits for those who embrace the technology and dangers from its abuse and misuse. Class discussions will explore the implications of new technologys.
· Opera is for Everyone: Opera has been captivating audiences for more than 400 years. Stage director Martha Collins believes this is because opera tells compelling stories through beautiful, timeless music by thrilling, emotional singing. Collins leads this exploration of the extraordinary and compelling world of opera and the reasons for its enduring popularity.
· Managing Stress in Troubled Times: Increasing Resilience: The workshop will define stress and stress responses, explain the relationship between stress and chronic conditions, help participants identify the effects of stress in their lives, provide techniques for coping with stress, and teach ways for calming body responses to stress through relaxation.
· Understanding Aging and Dementia: Challenges and Opportunities: The course examines the biological changes responsible for aging, specifically those that underlie cognitive deterioration.
· China: History and Politics: This course will examine traditional Chinese history, culture, society, and politics to better appreciate how Beijing looks at the contemporary world.
· Florida Gardening Series for Plant Lovers: This course will cover correct gardening techniques in Florida, including how to garden on a patio, lanai, condo, courtyard, inside, and everything in between. Learn how to choose the best plants for your spaces, create a pollinator/butterfly garden, build a container garden, how working with plants provides mental and physical benefits, and more.
The popular documentary film series Connections also returns for the fall term and OLLI at Ringling College will offer three lectures: Italian Iconic Design & La Linea Italiana on Sept. 29; The Real Reason for the Loss of the USS Scorpion on Oct. 19; and Exploring Florida’s Historic African American Homes on Nov. 6. General admission is $15 each.
Special presentations include Electric Bass-ics on Oct. 18, exploring how the electric bass has done more to change the sound of music than any other instrument in the last 70 years.
To register or for more information about becoming an OLLI member, visit OLLIatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.
Submitted by Kelly Fores
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: OLLI at Ringling College announces adult education programs for fall
