Fall 2024 Online Courses
OLLI membership and semester course package registration are required.
To register for Fall 2024 classes, please call 205-348-3000 or visit olli.ua.edu/register. Joining OLLI at UA is easy and requires an annual payment of $65. The Fall 2024 semester course package fee is $60, granting access to all OLLI at UA courses (in-person and online). Semester course package purchases are not required to register for field trips, and lunch/dinner meetups. Additional material fees may apply for certain classes.
MONDAY
OL 117 Optics!
Mon/Tue Sept. 16/17, 23/24
8:30 – 10 a.m.
Dr. Jim Beaupre
Optics is the study of light and how it behaves. This course addresses two main themes: how optics developed between the time of Newton to the present day and the basic principles of propagation, reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference and particle behavior.
OL 101 What the Heck is “Art Song”?
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30
9 – 10:15 a.m.
Dr. Susan Fleming
For those who think all classical singing is operatic, this course explores the exciting and varied world of art song, a form beloved by top composers, singers, and discerning listeners for the past 300 years.
OL 102 The Science of Climate Change (OLLI Shares)
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Dr. David Keellings
This course will introduce students to the physical science of climate change by exploring the Earth’s atmosphere and what drives changes in the climate system. Together, we will investigate the impacts of climate change through observations and examine possible future consequences. We will also explore potential solutions to the problems of climate change.
OL 103 Talking About Books
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Carol Prickett and Jan Mercier
Join the OLLI book community for lively discussions, including the class kickoff extravaganza, where members will share their favorite recent reading, and UA Press authors will tell about their works. Group discussions will include “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride and “The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History” by Ned Blackhawk.
OL 104 Messy Presidential Elections
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Keith Robinson
With this year’s election in full swing and dominating the news, this course reviews eight of the messiest presidential elections in American history, from the first in 1788-89 to 1948. It examines how the country survived, the impacts and lessons learned.
OL 120 Local Naturalists
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Gary Wagoner, Coordinator
This course is taught by a team of seven local naturalists who take a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring various subjects such as botany, ichthyology, ornithology, geology, and ecology. Their areas of expertise will be shared as they discuss the incredible natural diversity of our region that they have deeply studied and observed.
OL 105 Science of Wine
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28
3 – 4:15 p.m.
Dr. Russ Timkovich
This course deals with the scientific basis behind the production of vineyards and wine. It will examine the geology, geography, botany, biology, physics, history and especially the chemistry and biochemistry of wine. No prior background in any of these scientific fields is required.
TUESDAY
OL 119 Introduction to Psychology as a Social Science
Oct. 8, 14, 22, 29
8:30 – 10 a.m.
Dr. William (Bill) Confer
Modern psychology uses the scientific method to study thought, experience, and behavior. We will review some of the historical right and wrong turns that ultimately steered psychology from authoritative guesses and outright quackery to evidence-based applications and practices. Although not a course on memory improvement, it will include an overview of the psychology lab-derived basics of learning, forgetting, and memory – and then illustrate their applications to techniques for learning efficiency and improved retention for an aging population.
OL 118 The Path to Victory: Grant, Sherman, and the Campaigns that Won the Civil War
Sept. 24; Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12
10:30 a.m. – Noon
John Mason
This will be the first of a multi-part series describing the campaigns conducted by Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman that were ultimately responsible for the Union winning the American Civil War. This course will touch on the pre-war lives of our two protagonists and then begin to trace the formation of their partnership. We’ll discuss in detail the battles of Belmont, Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and Iuka, all key in their rise to supreme command and final victory.
OL 106 Leverage Digital Independence…to Live Long and Prosper!
Sept. 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Bob Coulson
This course empowers you with the transformative knowledge, skills and abilities to leverage online tools to support your independent living. We will explore and discover apps and websites that enhance your finances, shopping, health, socializing, traveling, entertainment, safety and creative passions! Learn how to improve your quality of life with practical tools for your digital living.
OL 107 George Washington: Up Close and Personal (OLLI Shares)
Sept. 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Dr. Richard Rhone
George Washington is usually depicted as almost a mythical figure in American history, and he is generally remembered only as our first president and the commander of the army in our Revolution. But he was much more. In this class, we will examine his life, family, career and personality up close and personal. We’ll probably be surprised by some things we discover.
OL 108 A Few More Lost Chapters in American History (OLLI Shares)
Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Dr. Richard Rhone
No history can ever tell the complete story, and certainly, there are events that were once headline news that simply fade away as time passes. We will discuss several such stories from our national history, including a scandalous shocking murder, some unbelievable disasters, an uproar over a White House dinner and how an American president saved football.
OL 121 The Instruments of Folk and Roots Music
Sept. 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
2:30 – 4 p.m.
Mike Reinke
This class explores the origins and evolution of American folk and roots music, including African-American folk music, its commercial separation from Anglo-American folk music, and the folk music of Alabama. It also covers the structure and composition of traditional folk, roots, and blues music as well as the impact of various folk, roots, and blues musicians on contemporary music and culture. If you would like more information, please email mikereinke68@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY
OL 109 Fascinating Medical Topics
Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Dr. Robert Pieroni and Peggy Hamner
We shall present a variety of new and intriguing medical subjects of interest and potential benefit to our members. Subjects have been specifically selected to inform and stimulate an OLLI audience whose active participation is encouraged.
OL 123 The Importance of Balance and Strength as We Age
Oct. 23
Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Dr. Milady Murphy
In this presentation, Dr. Murphy will discuss the latest literature on balance and strength for the aging population. This presentation will be in a lecture demonstration format, providing information to improve quality of life and independence as we age.
OL 110 Violence in the Middle East
Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Dr. Robert Kane
Since 1960, the Middle East has become a center of global security concerns because of the region’s chronic insecurity and persistent susceptibility to violence. Much of this violence has occurred because of the emergence of Israel as a Jewish state; governance failures in various Arab countries; the consequences of the U.S.-led 2001 invasion of Afghanistan and the 2003 invasion of Iraq; and the complex relations and rivalries among regional powers. The most recent such outbreak of violence is the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre of 1,200 Israelis by Hamas terrorists. This course will introduce students to the more well-known groups behind the violence in the Middle East.
OL 111 The Plantagenet: The Warrior Kings and Queens of England
Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Dr. Derrick Griffey
There is an intriguing story of England’s longest reigning dynasty, the Plantagenet. War dominated their lives. When not embroiled in some kind of bloodshed, they were passionate, power-hungry and obsessive. We will explore 300 years of tempestuous English history from 1150 to 1450, covering the stories of King Henry VI, Eleanor of Aquitaine, her sons, Richard the Lion Heart and bad King John. As their tales unfold, this course brings to life the battle-scarred Plantagenets.
THURSDAY
OL 112 Lessons from the Vietnam War
Sept. 12 and 19
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Ed Linz
This session explores events leading to U.S. involvement in Vietnam, examining the French colonial era, Ho Chi Minh’s rise, South Vietnamese politics, and U.S. policies. Focus includes General Westmoreland’s 1964 arrival in the country, American and North Vietnamese tactics, impacts on U.S. forces, and American POWs.
OL 113 Lessons from the Great Depression
Sept. 26 and Oct. 3
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Ed Linz
This interactive session examines the political and economic events of the 1920s, comparing them to the 2020s, leading to the Great Depression. It explores political responses like the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration, and their impact on diverse American families, featuring personal stories from individuals of various backgrounds who lived through the Great Depression.
OL 114 Science of Forensic Pathology
Sept. 26
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Dr. Kenneth Snell
Dr. Snell, a forensic pathologist, will explain how the facts concerning the events leading to death and its circumstances contribute to the cause-of-death statement. We will learn how, in an autopsy, the body tells a tale. Time of death, body temperature, rigor mortis and decomposition are all factors in the science of pathology. Join us as we explore this fascinating area of medicine.
OL 115 Pundits, Polls & Politics! The ‘24 Election! (OLLI Shares)
Oct. 3
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Douglas Stowell
Topics to be discussed include 1) Review POTUS “approval” history from 1945-2020, 2) Explore how better voter polls are done, 3) Discuss “pundits,” 4) Define “generations” as voters, 5) Review current polls and focus on the issues by doing four online polls 6) Consider a Corporate Assessment Model for decision making, AND 7) Complete our own electoral vote forecast of the ‘24 election! This will be strictly non-partisan!
OL 116 Living for Longevity
Oct. 10
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Dr. Abby Horton
Many factors influence longevity and promote a long, healthy life. This class explores the most important ones and how to incorporate these practices into daily life.
OL 122 Old Enough: Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and Aging
Sept. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Jay Lamar, Coordinator
This course features a series of talks and readings by contributors to the recently published book Old Enough: Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and Aging. Each week, a different artist or writer will share their unique perspectives on creativity and aging, exploring themes of identity, memory, resilience, and the passage of time. Participants will engage with the rich tapestry of human experiences through personal stories, reflections, and insights, deepening their appreciation for the contributions of older women to the arts and humanities.
OL123 The Importance of Balance and Strength as We Age
Oct. 23
Noon- 1:15 p.m.
Dr. Milady Murphy
In this presentation, Dr. Murphy will discuss the latest literature on balance and strength for the aging population. This presentation will be in a lecture demonstration format, providing information to improve quality of life and independence as we age.