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Course outlines/syllabi — Click here to view spring syllabi & course outlines (available for most courses)
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Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
Participating in recreational international folk dancing is a wonderful way to meet people in the U.S. and many other countries, since knowing other languages is not required. This mild to moderate form of exercise is a great way for seniors to maintain cardiac fitness, mobility, balance and brain health. The focus is to learn dances that are frequently done in circles, lines or couples by local community groups in DE, PA , NJ and NY. Best to wear low heeled leather bottom shoes.
Taught by: Lorraine Cohn, Martin Cohen
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
The course offers an in-depth review behind key U.S. economic developments and financial market events over the past 120 years. The course material focuses on two segments. The first highlights strides in economic growth from the beginning of the 20th century, with emphasis on changes in living and working conditions.
Taught by: William Francis
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Published by the Great Courses, part two starts with the CIA’s involvement in Vietnam and continues to today, including the CIA’s use of renditions, interrogations and drones. The class consists of pre-recorded lectures by Hugh Walford, Ph.D., professor of history at California State University. Instructor adds to the lectures with information and context. As a reminder, part one started with Washington’s use of spies during the Revolutionary War and ended with the Cuban Missile Crisis. Students can enjoy part two without having taken part one.
Taught by: Martin Cohen
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Art workshop in any medium. No instruction, but help if needed. A time to paint, relax and hang out with art friends.
Taught by: Dot Owens-Davis
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Beginners and experienced students enjoy sculpting and ceramic techniques. Beginners work with the instructor alongside experienced students using simple coils, slabs and hand sculpting of figures, bas relief and ceramics. Emphasis on form and textures. Be creative; try what appeals to you. Additional fee: $40 materials fee, payable to instructor.
Taught by: Joseph Germano, Svetlana Lisanti
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
This workshop is an opportunity to further our experience and enjoyment of pastel painting with others who share this interest. No formal instruction is offered, so familiarity with pastels is encouraged (but not required). Both facilitators and participants identify topics for short instructional videos. Participants paint from personal or other reference photos, or imagination. A positive critique session each week offers support and advice, as well as sharing skills, techniques and ideas.
Taught by: Ann Walker, Tricia Watson, Donni Louise
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 10:00 AM
Students work with a drawing supplied. Step-by-step instruction for successful pet paintings with assistance and support. Discussions and demonstrations on brushstrokes for different types of fur, realistic depiction of eyes, nose and tongue, composition, color and texture. After completion of the drawing-supplied painting, students start on their own painting with help. Supplies list for students to be issued at first class.
Taught by: Emily Spadafora, Linda Simon
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Learn the fundamentals of watercolor in this step-by-step introductory class. From brushstrokes to color blending and watercolor washes, create transparent art in this fluid medium. This is a progressive process. Regular attendance is beneficial.
Taught by: Isabelle Fugedy, Patricia Scarpitti
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This is the second semester of a course is for students with little or no previous instruction in the Spanish language. We start where we left off in the fall. The course is based primarily on the textbook. Each class includes singing in Spanish.
Taught by: Jeanne Hanson
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This is the sixth semester of Spanish instruction. It includes textbook work, small group conversation and singing in Spanish. Required text: Complete Ultimate Spanish, Gordon, 978-1-264- 25910-6. Prerequisite: Five semesters of OLLI Spanish or the equivalent.
Taught by: Jeanne Hanson
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This course touches on why, when and where to bird. Topics include equipment, reference materials, internet support, identification techniques, listing and bird songs. Practical experience takes place with 8 bird walks on campus before class, and field trips. Delaware is a prime birding site, get to know it!
Taught by: Lloyd Maier, Paul Beckman, Patti Parziale
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to March 6, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
This course provides an overview of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and strategies to reduce the risk for adverse events through diet/nutrition, exercise and lifestyle modifications. Lectures include: It’s a Mad, Mad World: An Overview of Risk factors; Check Me Out: Assessment of Individual Risk; Recipe for Disaster: Role of Food, Nutrition and Diet; Walk it Off: Role of Exercise and Physical Activity; and The Chill Factor: Lifestyle Modifications.
Taught by: Hisham Sherif
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2024 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
The mission of the OLLI Eco Team is to support green behavior in our homes, communities and the world through our actions and education. We are a group that discusses our agenda for the year and breaks into groups to accomplish goals. Our focus for the semester is to implement elements of the UD Sustainability Plan. We develop immediate goals and devise action plans.
Taught by: Judy Winters, Mark Mendelson
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Focusing on the anatomy of the eye and its adnexa, we review ophthalmic optics, visual fields, eye diseases, ocular manifestations of systemic conditions, perceptions and preventions.
Taught by: Z. Stephen Silagy
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Mexican Train Dominoes is easy to learn and lots of fun to play. Try it with us and see for yourself. This class is for both new and experienced players.
Taught by: Mary McNeeley
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
This course reveals how to change your lifestyle in ways that can help slow the aging process. These changes toward an Earth-friendly lifestyle include choosing the right recipes and eating more veggies and a lot less animal products. Its not just about what we eat, its how well we sleep, the steps we take to reduce stress, the water we use, our efforts to use green household products and how these choices affect the environment. We cover the basics and then move on to the latest scientific studies.
Taught by: Judy Filipkowski
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to March 6, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Join us as we look at the ways the simple act of walking can enhance our wellbeing. The class takes a holistic approach in the many ways walking can improve physical and mental health. Walking is included (weather permitting), as well as class discussions, guest speakers, reading materials and journaling. The goal is to lift our spirit, mood and overall health as we focus on the value of simply walking.
Taught by: Karen Asenavage
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Learn about yoga philosophy and lifestyle through instructor-guided yoga practice (poses, breathing and relaxation). Explore basic postures, stretches, breath control, balances, relaxation and meditation. Practice between sessions is helpful, but not required. Those with physical disabilities are welcome to participate according to their ability.
Taught by: Brian Hanson, Lorie Tudor, Barbara Bareford
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Chair yoga is offered as an option for those who wish to practice yoga and are uncomfortable transitioning between floor poses and standing poses. Options for stretches and yoga poses are offered, including sitting on a chair and standing using a chair for support.
Taught by: Carol Lovett
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to April 24, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Each class features an introduction followed by a video presentation and class discussion. Topics include Mideast realignment, climate technology and competition, science across borders, U.S.-China trade rivalry, NATO’s future, understanding Indonesia, High Seas Treaty, and pandemic preparedness. Purchase of the Great Decisions Briefing Book is recommended.
Taught by: Steven Dombchik, A. Hays Butler, Claude Faulkner
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
This class is an examination of the Anglo-American tradition of architecture from the 17th century through World War I. The course features 10 weekly lessons with graphics on the various periods of architecture followed by three lessons on historic preservation, history and national and Delaware historic preservation law.
Taught by: Thomas Reed
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
The OLLI Brass Quintet performs standard brass quintet literature and explores the available works from the Canadian Brass and other performing quintets. Members are selected by the instructor through audition. Limited to four advanced musicians, which include one additional trumpet, one horn, one trombone and one tuba.
Taught by: Ken Cavender
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
The Osher Flute Choir enjoys playing a variety of musical styles from classical and popular to folk and baroque. This is a recurring class, but we welcome new members with prior playing experience. We share our expertise to improve tone, technique and intonation. The instructor is happy to answer any questions before registration.
Taught by: Margaret Love, Pamela Finkelman
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to March 6, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
The life and career of Marion Michael Morrison, aka John Wayne, aka the Duke! Enjoy a ride down the trail with legendary movie star and actor John Wayne. Class lecture and discussion cover his life and career, and are supplemented with movie clips, book biographies and videos. Find out how Duke got his name and became one of the world’s most famous and favorite movie superstars!
Taught by: Michael Walsh
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to March 6, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
When Dorothy Gale entered Oz, Judy Garland entered immortality. Her Over the Rainbow is considered one of the most popular songs ever. This class addresses reports that Judy was given amphetamines and barbiturates by her mother Ethel as an adolescent “to keep my little girl going,” and subsequently battled drug and alcohol addiction. Images highlighting Judy’s vaudeville, MGM and concert performances illustrate her incandescent movie and stage career and her incomparable gift for touching people’s souls with her magical voice, all set against her tumultuous personal life.
Taught by: Greer Firestone
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Students continue their progress and increase their skill in playing the recorder. Course covers folk music as well as music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Taught by: Don Von Schriltz, Helene Furlong
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
The character of the devil appears and sings in operas from several composers and musical periods and in different languages. This class presents several operas designed to entertain and provide a little education into opera as an art form.
Taught by: Robert Violette
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Designed for students who have completed the first semester of Violin Instruction: Beginner or students with equivalent experience. This course is a continuation of our fun learning experience featuring easy pieces and duets. Study develops music sight-reading, left and right hand position and playing technique. Four to six hours of practice time a week is recommended. Students should rent or purchase a violin. Required text: A Practical Method for Violin, Nicholas Laoureux. Required text: A Practical Method for Violin, Nicholas Laoureux.
Taught by: Richard Wellons, Eleanor Dooley
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
A fun learning experience featuring interesting pieces and duets with growing skill and confidence. Continuing study of violin playing including scales, bowing and exercises, advancing to study of positions and solo pieces. Four to six hours of weekly practice time is recommended.
Taught by: Richard Wellons, Eleanor Dooley
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to April 24, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Knowledgeable guest speakers present lectures on timely regional, national and international issues across a broad spectrum of topics, followed by a lively question and answer session.
Taught by: Peg Stanford, Nancy Hannigan, Jeff Ostroff
The number of sessions and end date of this class have changed since catalog production.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 3, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 12:30 PM
It’s showtime! Using video and audio clips, this class examines the works of legendary Broadway composer/lyricists Stephen Sondheim and Jerry Herman, the award-winning composer and lyricist team of John Kander and Fred Ebb and two versatile composers, Cy Coleman and Jule Styne, who worked in various styles with a variety of lyricists over their long careers.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
A mixed voice performing group for experienced singers who can read music from an SAB (three-part) or SATB (four-part) score. The ensemble learns a wide variety of choral music. At least one performance is scheduled at the end of the semester (live or recorded). Excellent attendance is expected. Participants may be required to purchase a singer’s mask. Prerequisite: Ability to sing on pitch and read music.
Taught by: Michael Bareham
An online section of this class has been added since catalog production.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to March 6, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Was she a kook or an unpolished gem — no one was quite sure when 18-year-old Barbara Streisand won a talent contest and a job at a Greenwich Village gay bar in 1960. Sixty years later, after losing an “a” and winning multiple Oscars, Grammys and Emmys, Barbra is a living legend. This class takes us back to where and when her legend began.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
This class has been canceled for the semester.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
From Ida B. Wells to Toni Bambara, we read and discuss a number of the important works by African American authors who bring critical insight into issues of the relations between the Black community and the dominant white political and social structure. Everyone is welcome and your knowledge and contributions to the discussion are valued.
Taught by: Susan Shoemaker
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
The writer in Julia Alvarez’s novel may have buried her untold stories, but more often than not authors write and print their stories. And more often than not, these are individual, unique and powerful stories that traditional history has forgotten, mislaid or ignored. But stories can change perceptions; they need to be told and heard. This is the topic for the spring 2025 novels course. More info is available on the course website at https://sites.google.com/udel.edu/novels-as-stories/home.
Taught by: Rebecca Worley
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 6, 2025 to May 8, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
This comprehensive course is for anyone who wants to explore the significance and capabilities of AI, and aims to equip participants with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), its implications, and its practical applications in daily life. NOTE: Sections (L242-02) and (L242-04) are only for registrants who bring their personal laptops to participate in the class. OLLI computers are only available to those who register for L242-01 and L242-03. Prerequisite: Familiar with using browsers and saving documents from the internet.
Taught by: Anita Sterling, Lewis Martin Jr.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): February 4, 2025 to May 6, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This course discusses various topics in medicine and healthcare; including the history and evolution of medicine and surgery, professionalism, medical errors and patient safety, healthcare regulation, evidence-based practice and clinical guidelines, resilience and recovery in healthcare, patient-centered care, womens health, evolution of cardiac surgery and more.
Taught by: Hisham Sherif
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware
OLLI is an academic cooperative for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and socialize together, with no exams or educational requirements for participation. OLLI welcomes you.
Kent/Sussex | Wilmington